BBC world service on FM radio

COLOMBO: Minister of Media and Information, Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, said that the availability of the BBC World Service on FM radio across, Sri Lanka would mean the availability of a vast range of educational, scientific and other topical information to people from Colombo to the most distant villages.

Minister Yapa was the chief guest at an event to celebrate the extended broadcasting of the BBC World Service on FM radio across Sri Lanka.

It took place at the residence of the Acting High Commissioner Lesley Craig in Colombo on Monday.

The BBC World Service is rebroadcast by the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation on FM across Sri Lanka. The recent extension means audiences listening in English will now be able to enjoy nine hours of BBC programming every day.

At the event to celebrate the extended broadcasting on April 3, the Acting High Commissioner Lesley Craig said, "The BBC World Service is a brand name, which is recognised and respected around the world. People trust it. And this is in no small part because of the BBC World Service's fierce editorial independence."

Highlights of the new extended service will include the interactive global programme World Have Your Say, giving listeners an opportunity to share their views and questions on topical issues.

For sports fans the BBC has Sports Round Up. BBC programmes also tap into the world's cultural scene, for example Cultural Shock looks at the trends in cultural expression.

Michel Lobelle, BBC Business Development Manager said, "I am delighted that listeners in Sri Lanka are now able to enjoy the full range of BBC programming in perfect sound quality on FM across the country. Sri Lanka is a key market for the BBC World Service and this new agreement consolidates our excellent relationship with SLBC".

Listeners will be able to receive the BBC World Service in English on the following SLBC FM frequencies, 95.6 and 96.4 Colombo, 90.8 in Galle 96.4 in Kandy and Gampaha, 90.8 and 98.4 in Matara, 99.6 in Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Anuradhapura and 100.2 in Nuwara Eliya.