Hemanalin Karunaratne's mission:

A pilgrimage to uncover our heritage

Ruwini JAYAWARDANA

"We focus on topics like natural, folk, cultural and world heritage in our programs. It is mostly documentaries but we also hold discussions on the subject. Although documentary films and teledramas have not made it to the scene yet, space will be allocated for such work if they are made with heritage themes," H TV channel head, Hema Nalin Karunaratne said.

With more than 20 years in the field, Hema Nalin is well versed on the subject of bringing some of the most fascinating places and aspects of the country before the audience. Rupavahini's highly successful 'Nine Five' program was his brainchild and brought inspiration and became a trend-setter for many more programs of its kind. However nobody could quite carry off the programs in Hema Nalin's manner. Though similar programs mushroomed during the era, none of them could quite meet the standards of the original. However with H TV going on air Hema Nalin was able to put hands into what he does best - making meaningful documentaries of educational value.

"Information and education is part of our package. We constructed the programs with the international market in mind. We are currently in the process of planning the international launch for countries in Europe and the Middle East," he explained the long strides that H TV hopes to venture in taking cultural heritage to the fore.

Around 90 percent of the programs included in the channel are in Sinhala but Hema Nalin states that they do include a number of programs in English.

"These programs are especially designed for Sri Lankan migrants. However we hope to include some English programs or dub programs in both English and Arabic to cater them to the foreign market. Most of our migrant workers are capable of speaking fluent English. We hope to engage them in some of the programs on their visits to the island," he noted.

The team holds training camps on the technical aspects and presentation skills for youngsters in different part of the island so that many will be able to capture the best of what the country has to offer on lens. They also accept footages from people who have the ability in doing reporting in different parts of the island. However these people need training so that H TV will be able to establish units islandwide.

"Hopefully we will be able to incept a unit in Kandy before moving down south and in Polonnaruwa or Anuradhapura," he said.

In an era when a majority was getting a high dose of lengthy teledramas and reality programs the number of those who have turned to documentaries have increased considerable.

"People are getting fed up of watching these monotonous programs. All these are unfolding before them unplanned and in the same manner. It is always better to do something different. That was my formula for success. Yes, we have a lesser crowd but they are a very loyal and unique crowd," he opined.

Aired on Dialog TV for more than a year the team had made great bounds in the sector.

"Americans who are employed in Iraq had phoned and spoken to me. Teachers in Arabic speaking countries have spoken to me regarding our program on Uda Walawe transit home. Such programs have opened the international public's eyes to the beauty of Sri Lanka," said Hema Nalin. Though H TV does not comprise the normal news bulletin, it includes a current affairs program named 'H TV Focus' which relates to nature and environment topics. They also conduct a media workshop for school children free of charge. Starting off with Beruwala Maha Vidyalaya the team had already conducted three workshops in schools from different areas in the country. In addition the group engages in social welfare activities like collecting funds for the needy regarding health issues. They have already funded a heart operation and a kidney surgery.

Queried if the concept of H TV derives from Discovery Channel, Hema Nalin stated that structure wise the idea is correct.

"I aim to establish the local Discovery Channel. We have already invited the Tourist Board and the Foreign Bureau to join hands with us. People who are interesting in protecting our heritage can also be partners with us in this mission of goodwill," he concluded with a smile.

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New Programs on H TV

With H TV completing one year in September,

a host of new programs have joined their line up.

A brief glimpse at some of them.

*Siri Lankave (In Sri Lanka)

A daily magazine program hosted by Hema Nalin that includes a range of interesting snippets on what is taking place in Sri Lanka.

*Ratakin Ratakata (Beyond Bounders)

Focusing on the various cultures and natural habitat, literature and people.

*Nama Randu Pitarattu (Land they loved)

The program looks at the various people who decided to make Sri Lanka their home. The program discusses their life, experiences and thoughts.

*Punchi theatre

This program provides a stage for children to showcase their talents to their parents who are working abroad.

*Gaja Dinapotha (Elephant Diary)

News and views on the majestic elephants of Sri Lanka.

*Haritha Viththi (Natural Facts)

News about what is taking place in the natural environment in a nutshell.

*Diya Alley (Cascades)

Hundreds of waterfalls dot our landscape. This is a venture to discover the hidden paradise within the waterfalls in every corner of the island.

*Run Panhinda

(The Golden Pen)

This is a program which uncovers the great literary tradition of the pen along with latest updates.

*Sinhasane

(The Lion Throne)

The legendary tales of the great kings of Sri Lanka laid bare by Professor Mendis Rohanadheera.

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