BBC suspends SL broadcasts

26 March 2013 03:37 pm - 18 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

The BBC's World Service has suspended all its broadcasts on the Sri Lankan Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) because of what its calls "continued interruption and interference" to the corporation's Tamil programming.

World Service director Peter Horrocks said: "We regret the disruption in service to our loyal audiences in Sri Lanka, but such targeted interference in our programmes is a serious breach of trust with those audiences, which the BBC cannot allow."

Evidently, there was inference to its FM relay programmes on 16-18 March and further disruption yesterday, 25 March.

Horrocks said: "We spoke to SLBC last week… and warned them they were in breach of their broadcasting agreement. Further disruption… has left the BBC with no alternative but to suspend the service with immediate effect.

"If the SLBC have specific complaints about any BBC output they should take them up with us, as we have invited them to do and not interfere directly with broadcasts in ways that are unacceptable to the BBC and misleading to our audiences."

The BBC took similar action in 2009 when its services were also disrupted. It is possible for audiences in Sri Lanka to listen to the BBC on shortwave and via the corporation's online services. (guardian.co.uk)

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 18

tjeyar Wednesday, 27 March 2013 12:00 AM

but Tamils like to hear BBC rather than local news.Cos locals media's r Like koyabals. via DM Android App

Naman Wednesday, 27 March 2013 01:02 PM

People of Sri Lanka needs to be protected from TRUTHS!

Buffaloa Citizen Wednesday, 27 March 2013 05:49 AM

This is MR regime...these fellows have not culture nor civilisation but where white to show the yakkos of this country that they are clean and civilised.

Buffaloa Citizen Wednesday, 27 March 2013 05:47 AM

Yes, the yakkos of this country like to listen to China radio and Islamic radio from Iran.

Dingo Wednesday, 27 March 2013 05:44 AM

Definitely no one listening Lanka puvath

safeen Wednesday, 27 March 2013 05:13 AM

I feel shame with Sri lanka. I listen to the Tamil BBC daily. when I was listening on 25th it was interrupted. yes it was very important documentary on Muslims issue in Sri lanka.

HRfan Wednesday, 27 March 2013 05:04 AM

This is a huge loss for Sri Lanka, we hope radio stations in Tamil Nadu will compensate the loss

chams Wednesday, 27 March 2013 02:51 AM

Miracle of Asia! May be miracle of the galaxy!!

Premalal Wednesday, 27 March 2013 02:19 AM

A country like "No" other.

nuwan Tuesday, 26 March 2013 03:44 PM

who listens to BBC any way so no worries

Nimal Tuesday, 26 March 2013 04:36 PM

No IPL, no BBC, No IMF, No WB, No Chinese loans, No ships to Hambanthota, No planes to Mattala, No viable candidates to lead Cricket board, football - these are recent headlines.

raviraj Tuesday, 26 March 2013 04:35 PM

scared of the truth coming out

race maaama Tuesday, 26 March 2013 04:21 PM

We have lot of cirminal big fishes in the country. so soon most of ther things also will happen

Kumaran Tuesday, 26 March 2013 04:11 PM

Always try to hide the truth! This is the media freedom in SL specially to minorities. Now every body can understand who is behind the burning of Tamil News Papers in North/East of Sri Lanka!

RamUk Tuesday, 26 March 2013 04:02 PM

How cheap is this lower than low level.....should we concentrate on building up things rather than these kind of things

MyLanka Tuesday, 26 March 2013 03:59 PM

What on earth happening to our country....!!!???

Gobi Tuesday, 26 March 2013 03:56 PM

BBC's move is reasonable...but people of Sri Lanka will find difficult to tune in SW band.

Aceman Tuesday, 26 March 2013 03:52 PM

Bye bye, don't let the door hit you on your way out!!

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

BBC suspends SL broadcasts

Comments - 18

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Western purple-faced langurs see blue!

Most Viewed in News

Belgian traveller scammed in Kalutara

Corporal from Air Force Rugby pool killed in police shootout

No decision to declare April 15 as public holiday

Confusion remains if April 15 is a bank holiday

Suspicious death of 23-year-old woman at hotel sparks concerns

Sri Lanka defaults on USD 6 billion payment despite rising reserves: Patali

MIRROR CRICKET

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings

Chamodi, Dewmi spins Sri Lanka U19 Women to big win

Amir, Wasim return to Pakistan national team

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Ruwan calls on Kotte Sri Kalyani Mahanayake Thera

Effectiveness of Sri Lanka’s legal system is questioned over alleged corruption: Chief Delegate

Public inconvenienced due to lack of transport

Ex-soldiers joining Russian military as mercenaries, Sri Lanka seeks details

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings

Security raised for Champions League ties after threat

SLA target four events at Paris Olympic Games

Chamodi, Dewmi spins Sri Lanka U19 Women to big win