She is well aware of the differences between cinema and theatre and was able to entertain the fans in both fields. Her maturity in performance was clearly seen in films such as 'Akkara Paha', 'Nidhanaya', 'Beddegama' and 'Bambaru Evith'. She won many local and international awards exposing the quality of the Sinhala film industry to the world. Apart from being an actress she has directed a number of films successfully. She is very, unassuming though she is beautiful and talented.

The film industry today is also under pressure of globalization but those who are engaged in the industry should look forward to uplift it. It was a great void that we didn't have an institution to train artistes in these fields but recently we were able to inaugurate an institution for this purpose. I thank all those who organised this ceremony and I wish Malini well and hope that she continues to in the industry, the President added.

Dr. Lester James Peries said "you are called the Queen of the silver screen by the masses and I too accept that fact. If I had a crown, I would have surely crowned you here. You were able to reach great heights for your talent in different ways".

According to the meaning of her name she made garlands to Sinhala cinema, she garlanded it and she was garlanded too. She too had the rare qualities in acting as Rukmani Devi. She entered our hearts making an indelible mark in our hearts, said Prof. Sunil Ariyaratne.  Gamini Weragama and Gamini Fonseka also addressed the gathering.