Derana FM breaks new ground

Anuradha ABEYSEKARA

Derana FM was selected as the official radio broadcaster in Sri Lanka for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. This was disclosed at a Media conference held at the Galadari hotel on Tuesday. For the first time in the history of World Cup Cricket broadcasting rights were given to a private media institution.

Speaking at the ceremony Derana Executive Director and Chief Operations Officer Madhawa Madawala said, "Winning this exclusive rights by competing with other major players in the radio broadcasting market is indeed a proud feat for us as we are one of the youngest channels in Sri Lanka, which made the achievement even more unique for the station. We are really excited about having the opportunity to bring ball-by-ball commentaries to our listeners on one of the biggest sporting events in the world".

Derana FM is to be broaden their coverage by implementing three new transmissions in Jaffna from 89.3, Vavuniya from 93.3 and Polgahawela from 94.5 frequencies prior to this mega event. All 12 matches that is to be played in Sri Lanka including one quarter final and a semi-final will be broadcast through ten frequencies covering every nook and corner of the country.

"We are making arrangements to give live coverages to the other three quarter finals (two in Bngladesh and one in India), semi final and the grand final (in India) including Sri Lanka vs New Zeland match in Mumbai, said Madhawa Madawala. He further assured a disturbance free live commentary which will not be interfered by commercial advertisements when the over is being bowled. Sri Lankan World Cup team member Thilakaratne Dilshan said that he joined with Derana FM to promote our team and gather public support in encouraging the players. He appealed to the Media to help promote the Sri Lankan team.

Derana FM Commentary Coordinator Bandula Saman Wathuregama introduced their panel of commentators and said that they have chosen the best in the trade to deliver an innovative and entertaining radio presentation. Commentaries will be on air in Sinhala, Tamil and English.

The panel included Palitha Perera, Premasara Epasinghe, Bandula S Wathuregama, Kamal Deshapriya, Ranil Abeynayake, Breden Kuruppu, Roshan Abeysinghe, Kalum Srimal, Lucian Wijesinghe, Haritha Perera, Priyantha Udayaratne, Ruchira Palliyaguru, A H M Aswer, Ansahan Mashoor and Razmin Careem.

Derana FM Head of Marketing Lasith Sooriyabandara delivered the vote of thanks. Derana Director Sales and Marketing Thushara Perera and a large number of media personnel were present at the event.