Malani Senehelatha Fonseka started her acting career with stage dramas. In 1963 she made her entry to the stage dramas with "Noratha Ratha".

In 1968 Malani won the best stage drama actress national award for her performance in "Akal Wessa". Malani has played the lead role in 14 stage dramas. 

1968 was a special year for Malani as she was chosen to play a role in Tissa Liyanasuriya's "Punchi Baba".

Malani was introduced to the cinema by Tissa Liyansuriya and Joe Abeywickrama.  

Malini became a movie director and a producer with "Sasara Chethana" in 1984. During this time Malani makes her entry to the Television as well. 

Malani has acted in 137 movies so far  out of which  04 are international movies. 

Malani is an extremely talented actress together with the good looks which has made her a star in commercial movies as well.

Although many actors have been in the  No 01 position in Sri Lankan cinema, any of the actresses have not been able to compete with Malani so far. Hence she is the present  "Queen of Sri Lankan cinema" loved and honoured by the Sri Lankans.