Taking radio to a new dimension

By Sureshni Pilapitiya

Nanda Muruththettuwegama, who assumed duties as Chairman of the SLBC lashed out at artistes who slavishly prostituted the profession for personal gain. He was of the view that anyone has the freedom to pursue a political view of his choice but was emphatic that no one should prostitute the profession and fall victim in the melee or do it for personal gain and vain glory. He emphasised that 'state media' meant being a voice of the people and not the trumpet of the government. He wants to make a palpable change in the institution and turn it around financially.

Long before television came into being, radio was the lifeline of the people. For entertainment and knowledge, radio was used. As the state radio of the country, the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) has done an immense service throughout the years.

The SLBC is not only known as the 'guwanviduli mahagedara' in Sri Lanka as it is the pioneer in radio broadcasting but also in the Asian continent.

The SLBC still stands with its old grandeur still remaining inthe beautiful halls and corridors. It's status has not faded.

In 1925 it was set up as 'Colombo Radio' and in 1949 it changed to 'Radio Ceylon' and much later became the SriLanka Broadcasting Corporation under the Broadcasting Corporation Act.

The Sunday Observer spoke to Nanda Muruththettuwegama, who assumed duties as Chairman of the SLBC, to express his views about the taking SLBC towards a new direction , it's future , plans and projects he hopes to do for the betterment of the Institution, including his view points based on the field of arts as well. Having studied at Ananda College, Muruththettuwegama is also a well- known attorney - at- law, being the Managing Director of the CFPS Law school. He also was the UNP organiser for Kalawana and was enthusiastic about arts and culture.

Excerpts of the interview:

Q : You assumed duties as the chairman of SLBC. How do you feel about your new position ?

A: This is a responsible task. In any country, radio is considered as being close to the people. It can directly speak to the people and allow them to express what they feel. In the case of newspapers, we can read them, we can watch TV but the only media which can reach the people fast is radio.

Regarding security radio is the fastest means of giving information and sending messages. The SLBC has a rich history. I believe I can accomplish the task of turning SLBC around and bringing it back to its former glory.

Q: You were in the legal field. Can you tell us a bit about your legal back ground?

A: If there is one profession in the world among so many other professions where you can work as an individual, it is the legal profession.

I worked as an attorney- at-law for twenty years. I am also the Managing Director of the CFPS Law school which is affiliated to the University of London.Under my guidance thousands of students have passed out as lawyers..I have used my legal knowledge regarding fraud and corruption which took place in the country in the recent past. I have exposed such cases and taken legal action against them.

Q: Are there any famous legal cases which you can remember, regarding fraud and corruption ?

A: I have exposed the fraud and corruption involved in the Hedging case and the corruption in Sri Lanka Cricket.

Q: Do you see any difference between the legal field and the media?

A: Both these fields are important to the people. There is nothing which is not connected with Law. Law is affiliated to everything in any field. The media is important to enjoy life and appreciate the wonders of music. It is a field which is connected to life.

Q: What do you think of the current approach along with the new government ?

A: This is an important aspect for the country. In a country, there should be a system with sense and decorum. We were going down a precipice. Especially when it comes to discipline, strict laws should be implemented. The Law should be maintained properly in a country.

The fact that a large amount of the country's economical resources were going into the hands of only one group,frustrates the people. There should be a change in this concept. I wish to extend my gratitude to those who helped to change this situation and set up a better one.

Q: What are the new steps taken by the new government to ensure the betterment of the media industry?

A: The betterment of the media industry means having the right to give people information as well as entertainment. Earlier, the Media was used as a mode of highlighting individuals.

The state media was used for that purpose. They were used as a trumpet of the government. We have made a change in the state media in a short time. This is one aspect of good governance. I am proud to be a member of this process.

Q: What connection do you have with the SLBC?

A: From my young days I was a member of the Meth Mal Pibidewa program. I was also a commentator for the SAAF Games during the '90's. At that time whenI entered the SLBC, I felt as if I had entered a temple or a religious place. I was an active member of the Meth Mal Pibidewa program for a few years. I had theopportunity of going through all the studios and studio control units at SLBC.

Q: What do you think of being given the opportunity to come to the SLBC after so many years?

A: It is a great feeling. The SLBC is a grand and a prominent place. I was chosen as a SAAF sports commentator by veterans such as Berty Galahitiyawa and Palitha Perera. I feel so proud and happy to be Chairman of an institution of such high repute.

Q: It is believed that the state media is biased and partial. What is your opinion ?

A: That concept has arisen due to the misuse of the media. The state media is implemented under the government and is running on public money.

This service belongs to the people. My personal opinion is that the state media should not be a trumpet of the government,should to carry out the policy of the government keeping in mind the fact that shortcomings should be pointed out.

This the view of President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe and Media Minister Gayantha Karunatilleke.

Q: The same applies to the private media too, doesn't it?

A: Absolutely. Be it state or the private media, they should be independent. They should produce true information to the public.

Q: Another complaint is, that state media institutions are fraught with fraud and corruption. What is your opinion?

A: Those who head state media institutions should think that this is the state media, meant for the people. They cannot be used for private agendas. These institutions depending on public funds. We are taking legal steps to probe into fraud and corruption in state media institutions .

Q: What are your plans to make SLBC a profit- making institution?

A: Firstly, the SLBC channels should be made into channels which have a good audience. We have taken action for that. We have taken away the programs which highlighted individuals. Then again we have allowed thepublic to receive current affairs. We have given more space forentertainment purposes. There are plans to develop the Technicalside too.

There were talented people in the SLBC Those days andstill there are. But such people were not highlighted and given achance. I have taken steps to give such people a chance and also thefreedom to do their creative work. I believe that will help the Radio to be a more creative media. In the recent past, talented artistes, talented people in drama and music field did not have anyopportunity at all. The artistes whom were loved and appreciated bythe public did not have an opportunity of showcasing their creationshowever much they worked hard for it.

Q: What are the changes which shouldbe made at the SLBC?

A: In the first place we have todevelop the technological side. Then programmes which are peoplefriendly should be established.

There are talented people who present programs at the SLBC. And it should be an Independent institution, and keep it's status as the State Radio of the country.

There shouldbe a certain pride and respect among those who work at theinstitution. We have to work towards achieving that goal. We haveto take the opinions and ideas of all the intellectuals and artistesof the society to produce creative and people friendly programs.

Q: What do you mean by ''People- friendly'' programs?

A: Programs which do not include political poppy cock and programs not appreciated by the people which include unpleasant and vulgar music, and programs which have no relevance.

Q: What are your comments on the welfare of the employees, including their salaries and permanency issues?

A:Basically there is an excess staff. But we do not wish to remove them. We hope to give them duties according to their talent. Another purpose is to make SLBC a profit-making institution and give the benefits to the employees.

Q: What are the qualities which you see in a good media personality?

A: Mainly he should be sensitive about facts and issues. He should take facts into consideration and take neutral decisions. Being independent is important. Always learning and practicality is important. Associating with seniors and getting to know their ideasand opinions also counts. Doing creative work is a must.

Q: Should the management system of SLBC be changed too?

A: There is a cadre which is already in existence. According to that there have been some external appointments and some have been not. There should be people who present different fields which they are talented in. We hopeto give slots to talented people who were left out.

Q: Are you an admirer of the arts and culture?

A: Yes of course. Especially from my young days I had this love for reading. I liked reading books in the literary field. I was interested in drama too. I joined reputed journalist Richard De Zoysa and a few friends and created a drama named '' Wadu Maduwa''. I am connected with the newspapers and have also contributed as alyricist. When I was studying at Ananda College, I was a newsreader too. I was appointed as the editor of the Ananda College school magazine. I also did a provincial newspaper named '' Ruwanpura''.

Q: What is your opinion about the field of arts?

A: Art is a partof our lives. There is an art in everything we do in life. Arts gives the entertainment and enjoyment that one needs in life. It helps to develop the thinking process and reduces stress.

Q: What is your opinion of artistes being politically divided ?

A: Everybody has a right to express and follow his own political views. They have the right to follow the politics which they think is correct and join any political party or establish any association.

Those who ruin the reputation they have obtained as artistes and prostitute the profession for personal gain and act slavishly are artistes who have no conscience, and have no love, respect and responsibility for society.

Q:Today, the younger generation is drifting from state radio and private media institutions seem to be attracting a large audience. Why is this?

A:We have talented people who are creative and innovative. They still continue with their work. They did not get a chance of showcasing their talent.As soon as I assumed duties I gave them the opportunity of producing their creative work.

Q: Do you think that the employees who supported the opposition at the elections will be victimized?

A: Not at all, everyone is equal to me. Be it political or otherwise, it doesn't matter to me. What matters is how they work. They should be dedicated and act with responsibility regarding the work they are given. It does not matter what political view that they hold, or how they played their roles in politics. If fraud and corruption was in existence during the earlier administration, I need everyone's help to find out what these were. I have no grudge against employees who supported the other side and do not wish to harass or demean any employee working at SLBC.

Q: Finally, what are your aspirations for the betterment of the SLBC?

A: Basically all the SLBC channelsshould be transformed into those which will be close to the people. The SLBC should be transformed in to a profit-making institution. Various private institutions have had discussions with us in the recent past. Working towards the welfare of it's employees the SLBC should be an institution which will be close to the people.

In a short time we hope to bring the SLBC as an institution which will be an independent, public service radio.

In 1921,Edward Harper, who was an English engineer brought some radio equipment which was found in a broken ship. He did some research with the equipment and as a result, he established a permanent radio service titled 'Colombo Radio' in 1925. In 1949,this institution was named 'The Radio Ceylon'' as we all know. Later on it was changed in to the ''Sri Lanka BroadcastingCorporation'' by the Radio act in 1967.

Up to now it goes by that name. It is important to know that in 1967, through the Act the SLBC could carry out television services as well. Most important is that SLBC must stand up on it's own and we are working towards achieving that goal and to get SLBC back on track and to its past glory.