{
  "id": 2681584,
  "title": "Nanda Malini: the voice that mesmerized the nation",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/nanda-malini-the-voice-that-mesmerized-the-nation",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-22T23:45:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Island Sri Lanka",
    "slug": "the-island-sri-lanka",
    "url": "http://island.lk/nanda-malini-the-voice-that-mesmerized-the-nation/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dr. Nanda Malini, often referred to as the nation's captivating voice, passed away last Friday, leaving a deeply saddened Lanka in tears. Born in Levanduwa, Alutgama on August 23, 1943, she began her musical journey at the age of 13 after winning a gold medal in a kavi competition in 1956. Her career took a significant turn when Maestro W.D. Amaradeva recognized her exceptional talent and invited her to provide playback vocals for 'Ranmuthu Duwa', the first Sinhala color film. The film, released in 1963, garnered all university awards in the music category that year, and Nanda Malini was honored with the Best Female Singer award. Her voice graced numerous films and she nurtured the country's music industry through solo song concerts, albums, and children's songs. She studied classical music at the Bhatkhande Music Academy in India and obtained a master's degree. Her songs often carried themes of Buddhist devotion and showcased her refined vocal performance skills. From Buddhist songs like 'Buddhanubhâvena', 'Budu Karunâ', and 'Dannô Budungç' to hit songs like 'Araliya Landa', 'Ruk-aththana Mala', and 'Sari Podiththak Andagena', she breathed life into the hearts of those who loved their country. Her courage was evident in her song 'Araliya Landa' during the turbulent era of terror in the late 1980s. She received numerous national and international awards, including 12 Sarasaviya Awards and 10 Presidential Awards for Best Female Vocalist. Despite her passing, the resonance of her thousand songs will continue to endure for a long time.",
  "summary": "Nishantha C. Peiris If there was a voice capable of captivating a nation—a voice that can soothe and comfort the hearts and minds of its people—then that is truly a supreme, melodious voice of Dr. Nanda Malini, the celebrated voice of our nation who bid farewell to the nation last Friday leaving all Lankans in […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}