Rosmand's contribution to media needs to be recognized - Governor

Suraj A Bandara

Veteran journalist and Independent Television Network (ITN) Chairman Rosmand Senaratne who marked 45 years' service in the field of media, was felicitated by the Karunaratne Abeysekara Memorial Foundation at a ceremony at Kularatne Hall of Ananda College Colombo on Thursday.

Senartne's personal website was launched by First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa at the ceremony.

Former Speaker and Uva Province Governor W.J.M. Lokubandara said Senaratne's contribution to the electronic media deserves to be recognized as he has served in both private and state media with innovation and creativity. "Impartial journalism is depicted in his character and he is an exemple to aspiring journalists. "He never went after politicians begging for benefits," he said.

Dr. Punchi Nilame Meegaswaththa in his keynote address said, Senaratne has maintained an unblemished character in the media field. "His entry to the media field, started at Radio Ceylon as a technical officer through the years. His contribution spread into every sphere of the media and rising to the post of the chairman of ITN. Production, technical and engineering operation, announcing, compeering and news reading, are the areas which showcased his versatility," he said.

"Encompassing variety with unchallengeable talent he contributed as a dynamic personality by producing entertainment, sports, education, religious and children's programmes," Dr. Megaswaththa said.

Actor Jackson Anthony said Senaratne maintained universal characteristics of true journalism and represented the Sri Lankan identity through his presence in each programme.

"His theory should be applied to Sri Lankan literature as an indelible media personality who pioneered many historical milestones in the media field," Anthony said.