Malini Fonseka, the third child of Gilbert and Seelwathie Fonseka, embarked on her artistic journey by studying at St. John's College, Nugegoda until Grade 5, followed by Gurukula Maha Vidyalaya, Kelaniya.
Malini Fonseka began her acting career on stage, making her debut in 1963 with the drama "Noratha Ratha". She then went on to win the best stage drama actress national award in 1968 for her outstanding performance in "Akal Wessa", and has since played the lead role in 14 stage dramas.
Malini Fonseka entered the cinema industry through her brother Ananda Fonseka, who was both a film director and producer, and was introduced to the industry by Tissa Liyansuriya and Joe Abeywickrama.
She made her film debut in 1968 with Tissa Liyansuriya's "Punchi Baba (The Little Baby)", followed by "Abuddassa Kale", "Dahasak Sithuwili", and "Adarawanthayo" in the same year. Her critical success in these films led to her being offered the lead role by several movie directors of the time.
Malini Fonseka has acted in over 140 movies since then, including international films, and has achieved significant milestones in her artistic career. Some of her successful films include "Nidhanaya" by Lester James Peiris, "Siripala Saha Ranmenika" by Amaranath Jayathilake, and "Eya Den Loku Lamayekand Bambaru Ewith" by Dharmasena Pathiraja.
In 1984, she directed and produced the film "Sasara Chetana", a significant milestone in her artistic career. She has also directed two other films, "Ahinsa" in 1987 and "Sthree" in 1991.
Malini Fonseka has also paired up with popular Tamil actor Sivaji Ganeshan in the film "Pilot Premnath" in 1978.
Later on, she worked in the television industry, and has won praise for her performances in "Manalada Puthe Kiri Dunne", "Pitagamkarayo", "Kemmura", and "Ambu Daruwo" teledramas. She won the Sumathi Best Tele Actress Awards for her roles in "Pitagamkarayo" and "Kemmura".
