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World Bank Group President meets with President AKD (Pics)
President of the World Bank Group Ajay Banga met with President Anura Kumara Disanayake this afternoon (07) at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo.
This visit marks a milestone, as it is the first time in nearly two decades that a World Bank Group President has visited Sri Lanka.
During the meeting, discussions centred on strengthening collaboration to support Sri Lanka’s future development agenda. Priority areas identified included digitalisation, tourism, agriculture and infrastructure development, with particular emphasis on identifying short-term rewards, including advancing development in the Northern and Eastern provinces.
The Sri Lankan government’s efforts to establish a robust legal framework conducive to attracting new investments and recent policy initiatives were also discussed during the meeting.
Attendees at the meeting included Trevor Kincaid, Special Advisor – World Bank Group, David Sislen, Country Division Director – Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka – World Bank Group, Imad Fakhoury, Regional Director – South Asia International Finance Corporation and Gevorg Sargsyan, Country Manager – Maldives & Sri Lanka¸ World Bank Group.
Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Anil Jayantha Fernando, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Harshana Suriyapperuma and Senior Additional Secretary to the President Russell Aponsu, along with several other dignitaries, also attended the occasion.
(President’s Media Division)
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President Dissanayake pays last respects to cinema legend Malini Fonseka
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake paid his final respects yesterday (25) evening to the late veteran actress Malini Fonseka, fondly remembered as the “Queen of Sri Lankan Cinema.”
Her remains have been placed at the Tharangani Hall of the National Film Corporation, allowing the public to bid farewell to the beloved screen icon.
Malini Fonseka passed away in the early hours of May 24 at the age of 78 while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Colombo.
Her body was initially kept at her Madiwela residence before being moved to the National Film Corporation, where crowds continue to gather in tribute.
Among the dignitaries paying their respects were former Presidents Ranil Wickremesinghe, Mahinda Rajapaksa, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and Chandrika Kumaratunga.
The final rites of the legendary actress will be held today (26) with full state honors at Independence Square.
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Last rites of Malini Fonseka with state honours today
The final rites of Sri Lankan cinema icon and veteran actress Malini Fonseka, widely celebrated as the “Queen of Sri Lankan Cinema,” is scheduled to be performed with full state honours this evening (26) at Independence Square in Colombo.
The cultural luminary, who passed away on May 24 at 78, will be honoured with full ceremonial rites attended by artists, dignitaries, and adoring fans.
Final journey of a cinematic legend
The late actress’s remains, lying in state at the National Film Corporation’s Tharangani Hall, will be taken to **Independence Square at 8:00 AM.
The public can pay their last respects from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
At 3:30 PM, her body will be moved to a special platform for Buddhist rites, organized by fellow artists and former students of Gurukula College, Kelaniya, her alma mater. The final cremation rites will commence at 5:45 PM.
Traffic advisory
Police have announced brief traffic restrictions around Independence Square. While no major road closures are planned, vehicles entering Nidahas Mawatha from the Independence Roundabout will face 15-minute delays as the procession passes.
A legacy that transcended borders
Malini Fonseka’s illustrious career spanned nearly 150 films, earning her multiple Sarasaviya Awards for classics like Hingana Kolla (1980), Aradhana (1982), and Yasa Isuru (1983). She broke barriers as the first Sri Lankan actress to win international acclaim, securing awards at the Moscow (1975) and New Delhi (1977) film festivals.
Her collaboration with Indian cinema legend Sivaji Ganesan in Pilot Premnath(1978) and her recognition as one of Asia’s 25 Greatest Film Actors of All Time (CNN, 2010) cemented her as a cultural icon.
As Sri Lanka bids farewell, her legacy endures—not just in film, but as a trailblazer who elevated **Sri Lankan cinema onto the world stage.
Funeral schedule:
Public viewing: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Religious rites: 3:30 PM
Cremation: 5:45 PM
She wasn’t just an actress—she was the soul of our cinema.— Tribute from a fellow artist.
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Thundershowers expected in some areas today
President Dissanayake pays last respects to cinema legend Malini Fonseka
Last rites of Malini Fonseka with state honours today
