SLBC: 100 YEARS OF BROADCASTING EXCELLENCE

From valves and transistors to digital:

- By Colvin Jayaweera

The SLBC, the premier media institution, completed 100 years of unparalleled meritorious service on December 16, 2025. For an individual, it is a time period that renders him or her feeble, needing to be looked after with care and concern.

However, for an institution like the SLBC, it is a time for reflection and renewal as its vibrancy remains intact.

Hundred is a significant milestone and this flashback will reveal the tremendous efforts, achievements and strides made by the SLBC and its contribution towards economic growth, preservation of traditions and customs, safeguarding human rights, promoting understanding among communities, reconciliation of divergent views enhancing the standard of art, music and culture, exposure of corrupt practices, assisting educational advancement, instigating action against child abuse and drug addiction, upholding women’s rights, focus on social and environmental problems and helping resolve conflicts.

Broadcasting commenced in Sri Lanka on an experimental basis on June 27, 1924. On this memorable day, Sir William Henry Manning, the then Governor of Ceylon, Broadcast a message to the engineering association of Ceylon. A regular Broadcasting service was officially inaugurated on December 16, 1925. Radio broadcasting was introduced mainly due to the pioneering efforts of Mr. Edward Harper, Chief Engineer, Telegraph and the Ceylon Amateur Wireless Society.

Sri Lanka was the first British colony in South Asia to commence radio broadcasting just three years after its introduction in Europe. Western music, weather reports, road reports and market reports were broadcast.