SLRC hits the 'Headlines'

Ruwini JAYAWARDANA

For better or worse, change is everywhere. Some steps are taken for progressive development while others have unintended consequences impacts on the situation.

This is the situation that Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation faced some years back. Past authorities had taken measures to alter some of the prevailing features of the channel which had disastrous effects on its quality. As years passed by the channel which had entertained masses began to lose its fans. Some turned towards private channels while others remained undecided. Many spoke of the 'good old days' when Rupavahini had much to offer. Luckily this situation was noted by the present SLRC Chairman Sarath Kongahage. He decided to take immediate action to revive the past grandeur of the channel. His prime focus was on the SLRC news segment. He launched the concept of the great tradition of news reporting with changes from the presentation to the sets, costumes and lighting.

The new look of 'Rupavahini News' was launched from November 19 to coincide with President Mahinda Rajapaksa's second swearing-in ceremony. The trilingual news cast opens to a recomposition of the age old theme music composed by Somasiri Illesinghe. Some of the highest technological devices had been used in the setting which is said to be the largest background in Sri Lanka intended for news casting.

Another addition to the revamp process is 'Headlines', a program aimed at presenting the news items published in the country's national newspapers. News items, cartoons, editorials, features, sports news and foreign news are highlighted at the event which is presented by Chamuditha Samarawickrama and Sithara Kumudini. The program is telecast every day from 6.30 am to 6.55 am. Channel Eye, the sister channel to SLRC which had been catering sports news to masses, will include a number of locally produced English programs to its list.

Addressing the press at an event organized to brief the media about the new changes SLRC Chairman Sarath Kongahage said that this is an attempt to bring forth some of the positive aspects found in Rupavahini's roots.

"We are into 'responsible reporting'. The whole structure has gone through a change. We are also attempting to make the news segment a commercial free zone," he expressed.

Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, Secretary W B Ganegala and SLRC Director General Devapriya Abeysinghe were also at the event.

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