19 Facts About Vijitha Mallika

One of the most popular film actresses in early Sinhala cinema, Mallika appeared in more than 40 films including popular films, Suvineetha Lalani, Sengawunu Menika, Dheewarayo, London Hamu and Sweep Ticket.

Vijitha Mallika was born on 5 July 1943 in Negombo as the eldest of the family.

Vijitha Mallika's father Gamamathige Silva was a businessman came to Negambo from Induruwa and started a business.

Vijitha Mallika has three younger brothers - Austin, Sunil, Mahinda - and two younger sisters - Chandra and Swarna.

Vijitha Mallika's mother's brother, Benjamin Fernando, was a playwright and stage actor in Negombo at the time.

Vijitha Mallika studied at Sinhala New School, Wella Street, Negombo and then from Newstead Girls College, Negambo.

Vijitha Mallika met Fernando during the casting of Veera Vijaya.

Vijitha Mallika has two daughters from her first marriage with Anton.

Vijitha Mallika has one son and one daughter from her second marriage with Gamini.

Vijitha Mallika died from cancer on 16 October 1992 at the age of 49.

At very young age, Vijitha Mallika showcased the signs to be a future actress.

Vijitha Mallika's uncle, Benjamin Fernando often known as Benjamin Master was a friend of playwright and dialogue writer Hugo Fernando.

Vijitha Mallika was then offered many comic roles in popular films, Sohoyuro, Purusha Rathnaya.

In 1963, Vijitha Mallika appeared in the blockbuster film Dheewarayo along with Sandhya Kumari and Gamini Fonseka.

Sandhya made a major role and Vijitha Mallika made a supportive role.

However, her destiny was changed after the film, where Vijitha Mallika was fortunate enough to get major roles in films in following years.

Vijitha Mallika acted major roles in films Hithata Hitha, Sweep Ticket and Handa Paana.

In 1966, Vijitha Mallika won the Sarasaviya Award for Most Popular Actress for the film Handa Paana.

In 1970, Vijitha Mallika produced the film Suli Sulang which was directed by her husband Anton Fernando before the divorce.