We can learn many things from China - Media Minister

Dharme Sri Abeyrathne

COLOMBO: The Association for Listeners of China Radio International in Sri Lanka organised a ceremony in Colombo, yesterday to mark the 65th anniversary of China Radio International.

The ceremony was held at the Lumbini Theatre under the patronage of Media and Mass Communication Minister Anura Priyadarsana Yapa and Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Athauda Seneviratne.

"It is very heartening to observe how the journalists of China Radio International use the Sinhala Language. It is truly an example to most of our local announcers in some media organisations. The China Radio International Sinhala Unit journalists have mastered the Sinhala language well. Furthermore they have shown their fluency in the language and radio broadcasting", Minister Yapa said addressing the gathering.

In addition, there are many things that we can learn from China. Especially, we Sri Lankans can learn as to how to manage time and complete a task well, from the Chinese, the Minister pointed out.

Delivering the felicitation speech, Minister Athauda Seneviratne said that China Radio International has 43 transmissions that broadcast in 43 languages to the world. The Sinhala language broadcasting services 'Sinhala Sevaya' commenced in 1975. There are over 3600 Listeners' Associations and Listeners' Circles established by enthusiastic listeners of the Sinhala Service.

"These programmes are balanced, topical, valuable and fascinating to listeners and we can gain much by listening to them," the Minister added.

The Chairman of the China Radio International Wang Gengnian was presented the honorary title and medal by the two ministers for his unique service in building a close partnership between Sri Lanka and China. Sun Jianhe, the Deputy Director of Asian Unit of China Radio International was presented the medal on behalf of the chairman.

Winners of the quiz programme, conducted by the China Radio International-Sinhala Service were also awarded certificates at the ceremony.

UNP Parliamentarian Rajitha Senaratne, former Southern Province Governor Kingsley T. Wickramaratne, Western Province Governor Alavi Mowlana, Media Secretory to the Prime Minister Seelaratne Senerath and heads of the China Radio International were also present.