Will and way of a presenter

By Panchamee Hewavissenti

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He is the winner of the State Award for the ‘Best Presenter of the Year - 2007’ organised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Roshan Samanpriya Watawala truly deserves for his elegant and eloquent expression and the exuberance deliverance. Presently he serves as Assistant Manager - (Sports), Sirasa TV.

Down memory lane he recalls, after leaving school, when he enrolled for a diploma course in Journalism at the University of Colombo. Thereafter he served as a reporter in a newspaper for a brief period by which he learned the code and ethics of journalism.

He made his presence almost at every event held at Ananda College, Colombo. That gave him the trust and confidence in his career to carry away the Best Presenter’s award. He has been an active member of the school Debating Team and was also a member of the school News Presenting Society. He was fortunate to explore the unique experience of an expedition to the Mount Himalaya representing Ananda College.

Way back in 1998 he joined Sirasa FM as a DJ and was then transferred to Sirasa TV. He showed his ability in programmes such as Good Morning Sri Lanka, Jeewithayata Idadenna, Kedella, Kalakata Passe, Sandaliya, Inside Cricket and Kadulla (a sports programme).

His passion has been for sports and in addition he has excelled in various areas which helped him to become the Best Presenter of the Year. He has been on air to report the Commonwealth games, South Asian and Asian games and been to Canada, Korea, the Philippines and Australia to report sports events.

The hidden story of his success journey has been the commitment towards the subject of media. He met all obstacles with a smile and courage. Setbacks were stepping stones in his march to success.

Popularity was not the criteria in his profession. Quality was his base. He accumulated a wealth of experience within a span of a decade. All that helped him to be the Best Presenter of the Year.

The award has greatly motivated him in addition to jubilant response from the audience. He says he wants to acquire more knowledge in the media field with exposure to foreign media.

His devotion to the media field is such that he says he enroled for two degree programmes at the University of Jayawardenapura and Kelaniya. But time is a factor that stands in his way. He has put his heart and soul to his career.

He is at Sirasa TV by 7.30 am and only at home by 10.30 pm, with less time for his family. He is married and blessed with a daughter. The question is how he manages his private life and career. He says it is a bit difficult task to balance the career and the personal life. But his wife Thanuja is good and understanding and she gives the morale support.

The award winning presenter, producer, scriptwriter and news reporter Watawala hopes to continue his career with commitment. He has innate talent to offer in that journey. He has courage, determination, capability and the support from his fans. He believes that “If there is a will, there is a way.”