Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella being presented the commemorative stamp and First Day Cover to mark the 95th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) yesterday. Secretary to the Ministry of Mass Media and Information Jagath P. Wijeweera, Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation Chairman Jagath Wickramasinghe, Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation Director General Chandrapala Liyanage and a number of other distinguished guests were present. 

Challenging the challenges amidst the current crisis, the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) is gearing up for an exercise to uplift the nation, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said in a congratulatory message on the 95th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC).

SLBC Director General Chandrapala Liyanage read out the Prime Minister’s congratulatory message at the event held yesterday (16) under the theme :95 Years of the Nation’s Communicator”.

“The Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation earned the title of Nation’s Communicator through a long-term national mission. The people of this country will never forget the invaluable service rendered by the SLBC for the betterment of the nation for over 95 years.

The SLBC continued to serve the nation without bowing down to commercial forces.

The religious service of the SLBC began with a sermon by Vajiraramadhipathi Ven.Pelene Sri Vajiragnana Thera and also fulfilled the religious requirements of the Christians, Hindus and Muslims alike which can never be forgotten.

The National Radio has played an invaluable role in transforming communities of all walks of life from childhood to adulthood into a community of righteous, high-minded people with knowledge that blesses their nation.

National Radio, which stands for the Nation and Prosperity of the country, is gearing up for an exercise that will uplift the nation by challenging the challenges of the current crisis by mobilizing the urban masses as well. Hence, I hope that the SLBC would be able to formulate programmes that would uplift the people of this country to stand up as a righteous society,” the Prime Minister said in his congratulatory message.

Minister of Mass Media and Information Keheliya Rambukwella, Secretary to the Ministry of Mass Media and Information Jagath P. Wijeweera, SLBC Chairman Jagath Wickramasinghe, SLBC Director General Chandrapala Liyanage and many other distinguished guests were present.

The SLBC Officially commenced broadcasting as the first radio station in Asia on 16.12.1925 and has formed a close bond with the people of this country. Having passed a golden era in broadcasting it serves the people amidst numerous commercial challenges.

The SLBC aims to become the leading communications company in the country by successfully managing production and technology by changing the competitive structural conditions to be faced in the communications space after 2021.

Addressing the gathering, Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said, “Having come this far, over 95 years old is not an easy journey. I would like to thank all those who have taken up this challenge and taken the company forward during the 95 years evolving with the new equipment used for radio technology.

I witnessed many emotional speeches being made with a sense of pride about the history of this institution. Of course you can speak so proudly because there is much to be proud of. We understand the difference between boasting and what is said from the heart. There may be setbacks at times, but the theme of moving forward without giving up has come to the fore in these 95 years. When I was a child I participated in the “Handa Maama” program with my sister. And I came here in the late 70s for a movie promotion. I had a little challenge at the time. I wanted Bandara K. Wijetunga to dub. At that time the Head of State had banned Bandara K. Wijetunga from entering the radio premises. But as a young man I wanted to break through that barrier and go inside. I said if you bring a recording you can put it on and the voice is not banned.

I was told at that time “young man you should not clash with the Government and state leaders, it is not a good thing”. But I did not give up. From that I learned one thing. When challenges are accepted, challenges can be overcome. If we shirk challenges, we will not be able to reach our goals.

Now you have a similar challenge. In 1922, scientist Guglielmo Marconi said that one could control the world from one place. How should the situation change in 2020? But what a powerful media institution it must be to carry forward that programme without change. Everything in the world changes, but these tasks do not change. This is the second time I have taken over the ministry of mass media. Once we accept responsibility, we must fulfill it. Whatever subject we are given, we have a responsibility to take it to a higher level, both commercially and academically. Although such institutions have commercial value, it is important not to forget the enormous background and pride. They cannot be valued in money. We cannot be of the view that if profits are not made these institutions should be closed.

Communication systems that have value beyond money alone need to be identified. Everyone thought that when television came, the film industry would collapse. But that did not happen. The same goes for the audio medium.

We must change with the times. Let us put aside our minor differences for a moment and move this institution forward. If we go ahead like that, we can correct our shortcomings. So let’s all join hands and move forward together. Let us all be stakeholders in this proud history.”

A commemorative stamp was also issued to mark the 95th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation.