There is a debate regarding the commencement of Radio Communications in Sri Lanka. One opinion holds that it began on June 27, 1924, while another suggests that official radio broadcasting commenced on December 16, 1925. However, official documents confirm that radio broadcasting in Ceylon officially began on June 27, 1924. In his book Heta Haya Vasaraka Guvan Viduliya former Director General Dr. Nandana Karunanayake provides evidence that Radio Ceylon commenced officially on that date.
Several individuals and organizations are noteworthy for introducing radio broadcasting to Sri Lanka. The Lanka Amateur Radio Society is one. L Macray, the Director of Education in Ceylon at that time established the Colombo Radio Club on November 24, 1922 along with other interested parties. In 1928, it was renamed the Lanka and South Indian Radio Club. Engineer Edward Harper played a crucial role in advancing the association’s activities. Using radio equipment salvaged from a submarine and other necessary parts, Harper created a ½ kilowatt radio transmission machine and installed it at the central telecommunications office premises. This was a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s radio communications history.
On February 22, 1924, the Young Men’s Christian Association building in Colombo Fort was inaugurated. The Western Music Concert held that evening was broadcast as an experiment using the transmission machine, marking a successful experiment in broadcasting. On June 27, 1924, a speech delivered by then British governor Henry William Manning to the Engineers’ Association was broadcast via radio. Nandana Karunanayake notes:”To inaugurate the radio service, Engineer Edward Harper broadcast the Governor’s speech via radio.”
Further written evidence confirming that Lanka Radio commenced on June 27, 1924 is found in the report issued by the Post Master General in 1925, for the year 1924. Senior Lecturer Sena Nanayakkara’s thesis, later published in 2008 as “National Development and Radio Ceylon,” clearly states that Radio Ceylon began on 27 June 1924. On page 44 of this book, Nanayakkara, quoting D. M. Colambage’s Guwanviduli Wanshaya, states: “As recorded, it commenced in the month of June. On June 27,1924, Sir William Henry Manning issued a message to the Lanka Engineers’ Association, which was broadcast on the transmitter installed at the Central Telecommunications office”.
In ‘This is Colombo Calling’ by C.L.P. Gunawardena, who joined the Postal Department as a clerk, it is mentioned that Radio Ceylon actually commenced on June 27,1927. However, a board meeting of the corporation held on October 20,1983 officially accepted that radio broadcasting in Sri Lanka began on June 27,1924. The decision is recorded as follows: “The Corporation has accepted June 27, 1924 as the date of inauguration of broadcasting in Sri Lanka – (Vide Corporation Decision 709.13 (ii) of 20.10.1983).”
In ‘Dates and Events’, written by K. D. K. Wimalaratne, a former Director General of the National Archives Department, it is also mentioned that Radio Ceylon officially commenced on June 27, 1924. From page 52 of the book: “1924.06.27 – Official Broadcasting inaugurated in Ceylon.”
There is another opinion that radio broadcasting commenced on December 16,1925. However, it is clear that this date does not mark the first inauguration of radio. According to Nandana Karunanayake and Sena Nanayakkara, the transmission studio, constructed with new, more powerful equipment, was declared open by then British Governor Hugh Clifford on December 16,1925. What actually took place on this date was the inauguration of a new broadcasting studio with a one-kilowatt capacity. The Dinamina newspaper of December 16,1925, reported: “The old equipment that was used up to now was removed and recently brought in new radio equipment was fixed instead, and this new service was declared open by the Governor, today.”
Based on this information, it is clear that radio broadcasting in Sri Lanka was officially inaugurated on June 27,1924. Consequently, the centenary celebrations of radio broadcasting in Sri Lanka are being commemorated today.
Radio Ceylon was Asia’s first and the world’s second radio service. Its objective was to empower the Sri Lankan audience “with knowledge and great entertainment.” As a Public Service Communications entity, Radio Ceylon has played a significant role in providing entertainment and education to its listeners. It has greatly contributed to the development of the country’s musical literature and national growth over the past century.
Radio Ceylon has carried out its mission by creatively using programmes to empower people in remote villages with knowledge and positive attitudes. It has supported large development projects in areas like Gal Oya, Polonnaruwa, Minneriya, Anuradhapura, Medawachchiya, and Hambantota. Services like the Rural Service and the Evening Service have strengthened the communication process. For new citizens settled in villages and farming colonies under the Accelerated Mahaweli Development Project, “Community Radio Services” have addressed cultural, religious, and educational needs, thus empowering their livelihoods.
Radio has played a vital role in improving the imaginative capabilities of its listeners. As a sound medium, it creates vivid images in the minds of listeners, enhancing their imaginative strength. Many unique formats of Radio Ceylon programmes, which are now celebrating a centenary, continue to be broadcast due to their popularity. One notable format is the Radio Dhamma Sermon. The first Dhamma Sermon was broadcast on February 27, 1928 by the Chief Incumbent of the Vajiraramaya Temple in Bambalapitiya, Most Venerable Pelene Siri Vajiragnana Thera. Since then, these sermons have contributed to creating a virtuous and ethical society.
In the 1930s, Radio Ceylon began broadcasting radio dramas influenced by British radio dramas. The first drama, Samaja Sewakaya (Social Service Worker), was scripted and voiced by Sri Lanka’s First Executive President and was broadcast live on March 29,1939. With the involvement of Professor Ediriweera Sarachchandra, radio drama in Sri Lanka evolved, introducing programmes such as radio plays, one-act plays, serials, short stories, youth club activities, and universal literature. His contributions introduced new radio plays and literary entertainment formats that continue to be broadcast, meeting the high entertainment requirements of the listening community.
The radio service celebrating its 100th year was initially established as part of the postal department. On 1, October 1949, it became an independent department. Radio Ceylon became an independent corporation through the “Radio Ceylon Corporation Act No: 37 of 1966” on 5 January 1967. For over fifty years, it has operated as a corporation. During this period, significant structural changes have occurred within the Sri Lankan radio industry and the global radio context. Radio has undergone rapid technological transformation, evolving from a physical device kept on the verandah to a modern, portable application on mobile phones. Today, radio functions not only as an audio medium but also as a visual medium (Visual Radio) integrated with social media.
Understanding the changing moods and preferences of radio listeners is crucial in this modernised context. The complexity of contemporary society presents a challenge for radio communicators, who must design programmes that resonate with these complex moods and engage listeners effectively. Radio is no longer just an audio medium; its visual aspect is now essential in attracting and retaining listeners. To meet these challenges, radio must adapt to current trends and develop appropriate communication methods.
A timely requirement is to align with the global social context, embracing technology and modernising the administrative structures of radio. While preserving the “Public Services Communication Will,” Sri Lanka Radio should plan for the next hundred years based on the communication needs of a modern subscriber society. This involves developing a suitable administrative structure and a methodical communication strategy that ensures the continued relevance and impact of radio.
Indika Jayaratne Director Sinhala Service Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation
