A special felicitation program honoring Dr. Nanda Malini was held on 22nd of August at the Kumaranatunga Munidasa Hall of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
The event celebrated Dr. Nanda Malini’s nearly seven decades of outstanding contributions to Sri Lankan music and her long-standing association with the SLBC. As part of the tribute, a building within the Corporation was named after her and officially inaugurated. A portrait of Dr. Nanda Malini was also unveiled, and the 9th Cabin was formally declared the “Dr. Nanda Malini Building” by the Prime Minister alongside the artist herself.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Harini highlighted Dr. Nanda Malini’s remarkable journey: “Seventy years ago, a little girl sang for the children’s program ‘Lama Pitiya’ at this very Corporation. Recognizing her extraordinary talent, Dr. Pandit Amaradeva offered her a chance to sing for Sri Lanka’s first color film, ‘Ran Muthu Duwa.’ Today, a building of this Corporation bears her name, honoring the girl who became the epitome of music in our nation.”
The Prime Minister praised Dr. Nanda Malini for using her voice to address not only traditional themes but also pressing social issues such as oppression, corruption, violence, and injustice. She declared, “The voice of Dr. Nanda Malini is an intangible cultural heritage of this country. Through your songs, you have brought joy, inspiration, and strength to the nation even in its darkest times, and we are deeply grateful for your noble service.”
The ceremony was attended by Venerable Pathegama Gnaneswara Thero and the Maha Sangha, Rev. Saman Maximus, Ministers Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa and Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Deputy Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni, Prof. Sunil Ariyaratne, SLBC Chairman Prof. Udhitha Gayashan Gunasekara, artists, and numerous distinguished guests.
