She gained more popularity dueting on the song "Galana Gangaki Jeevithe" with Narada Disasekara for Ranmuthu Duwa in 1961. For the performance she was awarded the first ever Sarasaviya Award for Female Playback Singing.
Malini continued her training after achieving fame, learning under B. Victor Perera, studying for a year at Heywood and moving on to Bhathkande University at Lucknow, India in 1963. She would later return to the University to obtain a Visharada degree in 1984.
Upon her return to Sri Lanka, Malini appeared on Amaradeva's programme Madhuvanthi singing "Sannaliyane" and "Ran Dahadiya Bindu Bindu."
Malini has had a string of successful releases: Perada Maha Re, Pahan Kanda, Sathyaye Geethaya, Hemanthayedi,Tharuka Es, Pavana, Sindu Hodiya, Kinduriyakage Vilapaya, Madhu Bandun, Tharu, Malmada Bisau, Cinema Geethavalokana, Kirimadu Vel, Londonyedi Geyu Gee, Yathra, Handahami, Sanka Padma, Pembara Lanka,Kunkuma Pottu, Gramaphone Gee, Araliya Landata, Malata Renu, Nilambare, Sari Podittak and Pirith Pen.