Radio and TV station for Buddhists

By Kanchana Kumara Ariyadasa

A radio station exclusively for Buddhist programmes will be launched soon with a TV station to follow, Ven Inamaluwe Sri Sumangala Thera, chief incumbent of the Rangiri Dambulu Vihara said. The radio station is to be launched on April 30 ahead of the Vesak celebrations while plans have been drawn for the launch of the television station as well, he said. Explaining the need for another radio station, the Thera said that the new radio station will broadcast Buddhist affairs to cater to the majority of Lankans who are Buddhists.

The Thera said that in countries like India, Thailand, Korea and Taiwan, TV and radio channels exist while in many others both media cater to others of different faiths, but the Rangiri Dambulu channel will be the only one of its kind catering to the Theravada tradition of Buddhists.

Detailing the type of programmes that the station would cater to, the monk said that besides Dharma desana and teaching of the Dhamma there will also be women’s programs, children’s and adults programmes too with entertainment items. The programmes would accommodate advertisements too like other channels, but the motive would not totally be to reap financial benefits alone. Sponsors would however come handy for maintenance purposes, he said. Initially the programs will be aired to cover the East, North Central, Central areas and the Colombo district while the second stage will extend the service to Ruhuna.
The Thera said the TV station would use a satellite to beam programmes and viewers would be able to watch the channel by purchasing a special antenna with which they would also be able to watch over 100 other channels.

The idea was mooted about a decade ago but the state delayed the issuing of necessary licence apparently due to reluctance on the part of the authorities. It was only five months ago the green light was received and the Thera said he was happy to commence the service so soon.