Independent Television Network: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Sri Lankan state-owned broadcaster}}
{{Short description|Sri Lankan state-owned broadcaster}}
{{for|the British Independent Television network|ITV (TV network)}}
{{about|Sri Lankan television|the British Independent Television network|ITV (TV network)|similarly named topics|Independent Television (disambiguation)}}
{{redirect|ITN Ltd|the British Independent Television News Limited|ITN}}
{{redirect-multi|2|ITN Ltd|ITN channel|the British Independent Television News Limited|ITN|the former British ITN News Channel|ITV News Channel|similarly named topics|ITN (disambiguation)}}
{{redirect|ITN channel|the former British ITN News Channel|ITV News Channel}}
{{primary sources|date=January 2017}}
{{EngvarB|date=February 2017}}
{{EngvarB|date=February 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{primary sources|date=January 2017}}
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = Independent Television Network Ltd
| name = Independent Television Network Ltd
| logo = [[File:Independent Television Network (Sri Lanka) Logo.png|180px]]
| logo = Independent Television Network (Sri Lanka) Logo.png
| logo_size = 200px
| type = [[Government-owned corporation]]
| type = [[Government-owned corporation]]
| predecessor =  
| predecessor =  
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| homepage = {{URL|http://www.itn.lk}}
| homepage = {{URL|http://www.itn.lk}}
| caption =  
| caption =  
| foundation = {{Start date and age|1979|06|05}}
| foundation = {{Start date and age|1979|06|05|df=y}}
| location_city = [[Battaramulla]]
| location_city = [[Battaramulla]]
| location_country = [[Sri Lanka]]
| location_country = [[Sri Lanka]]
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}}
}}


{{Infobox television channel
'''Independent Television Network Ltd''' ({{langx|si|ස්වාධීන රූපවාහිනී මාධ්‍ය ජාලය}}; {{langx|ta|சுயாதீன தொலைக்காட்சி ஊடக வளையமைப்பு}}), also known as '''ITN Ltd''' or simply as '''ITN''' ({{langx|si|අයිටීඑන්}}), is a state-governed television and radio broadcaster in Sri Lanka. Its headquarters are located in [[Wickramasinghepura]], [[Battaramulla]]. ITN received the Shrama Abhimani Award in October 2009.<ref>{{cite news
| logo          = [[File:Independent Television Network (Sri Lanka) Logo.png|180px]]
| name          = ITN Sri Lanka
| terr_serv_1  = [[VHF]] (Yatiyanthota)<br/>([[Free-to-air|FTA]])
| terr_chan_1  = Channel 12
| terr_serv_2  = [[VHF]] ([[Bandarawela|Nayabedda]])<br/>([[Free-to-air|FTA]])
| terr_chan_2  = Channel 12
| terr_serv_3  = [[UHF]] ([[Rajagiriya]])<br/>([[Free-to-air|FTA]])
| terr_chan_3  = Channel 24
| terr_serv_4  = [[UHF]] ([[Hunnasgiriya]])<br/>([[Free-to-air|FTA]])
| terr_chan_4  = Channel 24
| terr_serv_5  = [[VHF]] ([[Deniyaya]])<br/>([[Free-to-air|FTA]])
| terr_chan_5  = Channel 09
| terr_serv_6  = [[VHF]] ([[Rattota|Karagahatenna]])<br/>([[Free-to-air|FTA]])
| terr_chan_6  = Channel 09
| terr_serv_7  = [[UHF]] ([[Rakwana|Sooriyakanda]])<br/>([[Free-to-air|FTA]])
| terr_chan_7  = Channel 24
| terr_serv_8  =
| terr_chan_8  =
| terr_serv_9  =
| terr_chan_9  =
| terr_serv_10  = [[TV Lanka Free Digital TV]] ([[Free-to-air|FTA]])
| terr_chan_10  = Channel 03 ([[Western Province, Sri Lanka|Western Province Only]])
| online_serv_1 =
| online_chan_1 = {{url|https://www.itn.lk/live}}
| sister_channels  = {{Ubl|[[Lakhanda radio|Lakhanda Radio]]|[[Vasantham TV]]|Vasantham FM|ITN Digital}}
}}
 
The '''Independent Television Network Ltd''' ({{lang-si|ස්වාධීන රූපවාහිනී මාධ්‍ය ජාලය}}; {{lang-ta|சுயாதீன தொலைக்காட்சி ஊடக வளையமைப்பு}}) also known as '''ITN Ltd''' or simply as '''ITN''' is a Sri Lankan state-governed television and radio broadcaster located in [[Wickramasinghepura]], [[Battaramulla]], Sri Lanka. It is a Shrama Abhimani Award winner (Oct 2009)
,<ref>{{cite news
|url=https://www.youtube.com/?v=3YSdPTxZriE
|url=https://www.youtube.com/?v=3YSdPTxZriE
|title=Shrama Abhimani awards for ITN
|title=Shrama Abhimani awards for ITN
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|date=14 October 2009
|date=14 October 2009
|access-date=31 December 2009
|access-date=31 December 2009
}}</ref> broadcasts content to a wide demographic within Sri Lanka as well as the expatriate community. The programmes are broadcast in three languages: [[Sinhala language|Sinhala]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], and English. The ITN broadcast coverage extends to 99% of the island of Sri Lanka.<ref name="about_itn">{{cite web
}}</ref> The network broadcasts programmes to a wide demographic within Sri Lanka as well as to the expatriate community. Its content is presented in [[Sinhala language|Sinhala]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], and English, with broadcast coverage extending to 99% of the country.<ref name="about_itn">{{cite web
  |url        = http://www.itn.lk/about-itn
  |url        = http://www.itn.lk/about-itn
  |title      = About ITN
  |title      = About ITN
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}}{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
}}{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>


The ITN channel is the flagship television channel of ITN Ltd. ITN further operates three [[FM radio]] stations; [[Lakhanda radio|Lakhanda]] (Former ITN FM), the [[Sinhala language]] service; Vasantham FM, the [[Tamil language]] service and [[Prime Radio]], the English language service. [[Vasantham TV]], a second television channel operated by ITN Ltd, broadcasts content in the Tamil language. ITN recently launched a website ITN News, which is an online portal for the distribution of local news internationally.<ref>{{cite web
The ITN channel is the flagship television channel of ITN Ltd. In addition, ITN operates three [[FM radio]] stations: [[Lakhanda radio|Lakhanda]] (formerly ITN FM), which broadcasts in [[Sinhala language|Sinhala]]; Vasantham FM, which broadcasts in [[Tamil language|Tamil]]; and [[Prime Radio]], which broadcasts in English. ITN also operates [[Vasantham TV]], a second television channel that broadcasts in Tamil. In recent years, ITN launched ITN News, an online portal designed to distribute local news internationally.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.itnnews.lk/
|url=http://www.itnnews.lk/
|title=ITN News – Latest Sri Lankan News
|title=ITN News – Latest Sri Lankan News
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}}</ref>
}}</ref>


ITN channel is also the first [[1080p]] full HD television channel in Sri Lanka. The ITN Ltd has invested Rs. 200 Mn on the construction of the country's first HD studio complex and started high resolution broadcasting since 30 June 2016.
ITN channel was the first [[1080p]] full HD television channel in Sri Lanka. ITN Ltd invested Rs. 200 million in the construction of the country's first HD studio complex, commencing high-resolution broadcasting on 30 June 2016.


==History==
==History==
Ahead of the start of ITN there were decisions facing the deployment of television in Sri Lanka. Japanese company [[NEC]] provided basic support for the building of the station (and did the same later with [[Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation|Rupavahini]] in 1982). The development of the station happened at the same time as Rupavahini's. One of the key steps was selecting the colour system. PAL was favoured despite the fact that neighbouring India had a black and white system using NTSC equipment, and was provided by Japan despite using [[NTSC-J|its form of NTSC]]. ITN was being set up by Anil Wijewardene and Shan Wickremesinghe in Mahalwarawa and was expedited by an American investor. The first test transmissions in 1979 were well-received in Colombo alone, which was the initial coverage area of the channel. Programmes such as American educational series [[Sesame Street]] and the [[London Weekend Television|LWT]] British sitcom [[Mind Your Language]] were among the first programmes seen.<ref name=off>{{Cite web|last=Amunugama|first=Sarath|date=2022-11-27|title=Television takes off; JRJ takes over ITN fathered by two of his nephews|url=https://island.lk/television-takes-off-jrj-takes-over-itn-fathered-by-two-of-his-nephews/|url-status=live|access-date=2023-06-07|website=The Island|language=en|archive-date=2023-06-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230607135142/https://island.lk/television-takes-off-jrj-takes-over-itn-fathered-by-two-of-his-nephews/}}</ref>
Prior to the establishment of ITN, several decisions had to be taken regarding the deployment of television in Sri Lanka. The Japanese company [[NEC]] provided technical assistance for the construction of the station, and later also supported the establishment of [[Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation|Rupavahini]] in 1982. The development of ITN took place alongside that of Rupavahini. One of the crucial decisions concerned the selection of a colour television system. Although neighbouring India was then operating a black-and-white system using NTSC equipment, Sri Lanka adopted the PAL system, with technical support provided by Japan, which itself used a [[NTSC-J|variant of NTSC]].  


ITN Ltd commenced operations on 13 April 1979 with the introduction of the TN television channel.<ref name="about_itn" /> As the first television broadcasting service of Sri Lanka and South Asia they began transmission of the first terrestrial television channel in the country. It was also the first privately owned television station in a region where the government was in control of radio and television.<ref name="itn_so">
ITN was founded by Anil Wijewardene and Shan Wickremesinghe at Mahalwarawa, with additional support from an American investor. The first test transmissions were carried out in 1979 and were initially received only in Colombo, the channel's first coverage area. Early programming included international content such as the American educational series [[Sesame Street|''Sesame Street'']] and the British sitcom [[Mind Your Language|''Mind Your Language'']].<ref name="off">{{Cite web|last=Amunugama|first=Sarath|date=2022-11-27|title=Television takes off; JRJ takes over ITN fathered by two of his nephews|url=https://island.lk/television-takes-off-jrj-takes-over-itn-fathered-by-two-of-his-nephews/|url-status=live|access-date=2023-06-07|website=The Island|language=en|archive-date=2023-06-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230607135142/https://island.lk/television-takes-off-jrj-takes-over-itn-fathered-by-two-of-his-nephews/}}</ref>
 
ITN Ltd formally commenced operations on 13 April 1979 with the launch of the ITN television channel.<ref name="about_itn" /> As the first television broadcasting service in Sri Lanka and South Asia, ITN introduced the first terrestrial television channel in the country. It was also the first privately owned television station in a region where radio and television were generally under government control.<ref name="itn_so">
{{cite news
{{cite news
|url=http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/09/13/imp06.asp
|url=https://archives.sundayobserver.lk/2009/09/13/imp06.asp
|title=Digital future
|title=Digital future
|author=Observer Reporters
|author=Observer Reporters
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|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606005314/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/09/13/imp06.asp
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606005314/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/09/13/imp06.asp
|archive-date=6 June 2011
|archive-date=6 June 2011
|url-status=dead
|url-status=live
|df=dmy-all
|df=dmy-all
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref> The founding board of directors comprised [[Shan Wickramasinghe]], Anil Wijewardene and Bob Christie. Initially, the ITN studios and transmission station were located at Mahalwarawa Estate, [[Pannipitiya]]. A one-kilowatt transmitter and a {{convert|65|feet}} transmission tower broadcast within a {{convert|15|mile|km}} radius of [[Colombo]].<ref name="about_itn" /> However, due to the geographical location of the station, weather conditions and limitations of the transmission equipment, early viewers often experienced disruptions and interference in programmes caused by voltage fluctuations.{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}
The founding board of directors was composed of Mr. [[Shan Wickramasinghe]], Mr. Anil Wijewardene and Mr. Bob Christie. Initially the ITN Ltd studios and transmission station were based in Mahalwarawa Estate, [[Pannipitiya]]. A one kilowatt (1 KW) transmitter and {{convert|65|feet}} transmission tower were used to broadcast the ITN channel within a {{convert|15|mile|km}} radius of the city of [[Colombo]].<ref name="about_itn" /> Due to the geographical location of the transmission station, local weather and the transmission equipment used early viewers experienced many disruptions and interference to programmes as a result of voltage fluctuations.{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}


On 5 June 1979 ITN Ltd was acquired by the state as a business undertaking under a [[Competent Authority]].<ref name="about_itn" /> The duly appointed authority, the late [[Thevis Guruge|Mr. D. Thevis L. Guruge]] (ex-Director General of the [[Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation]]) contributed significantly to the early development of the organisation.
On 5 June 1979, ITN Ltd was taken over by the state as a business undertaking under a [[Competent Authority]].<ref name="about_itn" /> The late [[Thevis Guruge|D. Thevis L. Guruge]], former Director General of the [[Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation]], was appointed as Competent Authority and played a significant role in the early development of the organisation.


Shortly after commencing its test broadcasts, ITN announced the start of its regular broadcasts for a wide urban area. Local companies started selling television sets imported from Japanese manufacturers. Sales of sets skyrocketed, ahead of UNESCO projections. Due to the slow development of television in neighbouring India ([[Doordarshan]] still broadcast in black and white and was mainly [[Satellite Instructional Television Experiment|geared at educating farmers]]), Japanese-made TV sets sold in Sri Lanka were smuggled due to the lack of established presence of foreign brands at the time.<ref name=off/>
Soon after commencing test broadcasts, ITN expanded its regular programming to a wider urban area. Local companies began importing Japanese-manufactured television sets, and sales quickly exceeded projections by UNESCO. At the time, television in India was still limited to black-and-white transmissions by [[Doordarshan]], largely aimed at [[Satellite Instructional Television Experiment|agricultural education]], which contributed to the high demand for Japanese-made television sets in Sri Lanka, some of which were smuggled across borders due to the absence of an established market for foreign brands.<ref name="off" />


ITN Ltd was the pioneer of [[colour television]] transmission in Sri Lanka.<ref name="itn_so" /> On 5 June 1984 ITN Ltd relocated to its current base of operations in [[Wickramasinhapura]]. In 1992 ITN was converted to a public company with the state as the major shareholder of the company.<ref name="about_itn" /> Subsequently, the revenue, the diversity of programmes, technical services and coverage expanded significantly.{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}
ITN was also the pioneer of [[colour television]] broadcasting in Sri Lanka.<ref name="itn_so" /> On 5 June 1984, ITN relocated to its present headquarters in [[Wickramasinhapura]]. In 1992, ITN was converted into a public company, with the state as its major shareholder.<ref name="about_itn" /> Thereafter, its revenue, programming diversity, technical capacity and coverage expanded considerably.{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}


[[Lakhanda radio|Lakhanda]] and Vasantham FM are two of the three FM radio stations operated by ITN Ltd. The Lakhanda radio station which originated as a subsidiary of the [[Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation]] (SLBC) was amalgamated with ITN Ltd on 1 April 1997.<ref>{{cite web
Among its radio operations, ITN manages [[Lakhanda radio|Lakhanda]] and Vasantham FM. Lakhanda originated as a subsidiary of the [[Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation]] (SLBC) and was amalgamated with ITN Ltd on 1 April 1997.<ref>{{cite web
  |url=http://www.lakhanda.lk/
  |url=http://www.lakhanda.lk/
  |title=Origin of Lakhanda
  |title=Origin of Lakhanda
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  |archive-date=7 December 2009
  |archive-date=7 December 2009
  |df=dmy-all
  |df=dmy-all
}}</ref> This radio station broadcasts content in the Sinhala language. Vasantham FM is an FM radio station operated by ITN Ltd that broadcasts Tamil content. This radio station was launched in June 2009 to fulfill the media requirements of the Tamil speaking community within Sri Lanka.
}}</ref> It broadcasts content in Sinhala. Vasantham FM, launched in June 2009, was established to cater to the Tamil-speaking community in Sri Lanka.


Furthermore, ITN Ltd commenced transmission of a second television channel, [[Vasantham TV]] on 25 June 2009.<ref name="gov_vasTV">{{cite news
On 25 June 2009, ITN introduced its second television channel, [[Vasantham TV]], which broadcasts in Tamil.<ref name="gov_vasTV">{{cite news
|url=http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10330&Itemid=44
|url=http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10330&Itemid=44
|title="Vasantham TV" transmissions from today
|title="Vasantham TV" transmissions from today
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  |archive-date = 5 June 2011
  |archive-date = 5 June 2011
  |df          = dmy-all
  |df          = dmy-all
}}</ref> This particular television channel broadcasts content in the Tamil language. ITN launched [[Prime TV Sri Lanka|Prime TV]] and [[Prime Radio Sri Lanka|Prime Radio]], a television channel and radio station that broadcasts material in English on 12 November 2009.<ref name="st_prime" /><ref>{{cite news
}}</ref> On 12 November 2009, ITN also launched [[Prime TV Sri Lanka|Prime TV]] and [[Prime Radio Sri Lanka|Prime Radio]], which provide content in English.<ref name="st_prime" /><ref>{{cite news
  |url        = http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/11/11/art08.asp
  |url        = http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/11/11/art08.asp
  |title      = Prime TV and Prime Radio breaks into the scene
  |title      = Prime TV and Prime Radio breaks into the scene
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==Programmes==
==Programmes==


ITN Ltd's television channels and radio stations broadcast a variety of different of programmes in Sinhala, Tamil, and English languages. Listed below are some of the programmes broadcast by the television channels and radio stations operated by ITN Ltd.
The television channels and radio stations of ITN Ltd broadcast a wide range of programmes in Sinhala, Tamil and English. The following are some of the programmes and genres associated with its services.


ITN channel – (Primarily broadcasts content in the Sinhala language)<ref>{{cite web
'''ITN channel (Sinhala)'''<ref>{{cite web
  |url        = http://www.itn.lk/programs.html
  |url        = http://www.itn.lk/programs.html
  |title      = ITN Programmes and Schedule
  |title      = ITN Programmes and Schedule
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  |df          = dmy-all
  |df          = dmy-all
}}</ref>
}}</ref>
*News – (In Sinhala, Tamil and English)
*News (in Sinhala, Tamil and English)
*Teledramas – (Amaa, Ridee Siththam, Muthu Warusa, Tharu Piri Ahasak, Parana Towuma, [[Emy (TV Series)|Emy]], Snehaye Dasi, Nethu Piyena Thura, [[Kopi Kade]], Aluth Gedera, Sihina Tharaka, Rantharu, [[Bonda Meedum]] )
*Teledramas (''Amaa'', ''Ridee Siththam'', ''Muthu Warusa'', ''Tharu Piri Ahasak'', ''Parana Towuma'', ''Poori'', [[Emy (TV Series)|''Emy'']], ''Snehaye Dasi'', ''Nethu Piyena Thura'', [[Kopi Kade|''Kopi Kade'']], ''Aluth Gedera'', ''Sihina Tharaka'', ''Rantharu'', [[Bonda Meedum|''Bonda Meedum'']], ''Rana'')
*Films – Classic Sinhala Films
*Films – Classic Sinhala films
*Documentaries – Atapattama
*Documentaries (''Atapattama'')
*Educational programmes
*Educational programmes
*Children's entertainment
*Children's entertainment
*Programmes dubbed in Sinhala
*Programmes dubbed in Sinhala
*Game shows
*Game shows
*Reality TV
*Reality television
*Religious programmes
*Religious programmes
*Political debates
*Political debates


Vasantham TV – (Primarily broadcasts content in the Tamil language)<ref name="gov_vasTV" />
'''Vasantham TV (Tamil)'''<ref name="gov_vasTV" />
*News
*News
*Teledramas
*Teledramas
*Films – Tamil / Hindi Films
*Films – Tamil and Hindi films
*Documentaries
*Documentaries
*Educational programmes <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/070812/TV/tv_13.html |title=Creatas muppets enact 'Panchathanthra' |publisher=Sunday Times |access-date=11 December 2019}}</ref>
*Educational programmes <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/070812/TV/tv_13.html |title=Creatas muppets enact 'Panchathanthra' |publisher=Sunday Times |access-date=11 December 2019}}</ref>
*Children's entertainment
*Children's entertainment


[[Prime TV Sri Lanka|Prime TV]] – (Primarily broadcasts content in the English language)<ref>{{cite web
'''[[Prime TV Sri Lanka|Prime TV]] (English)'''<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.primetv.lk
|url=http://www.primetv.lk
|title=Prime TV Programmes
|title=Prime TV Programmes
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}}</ref>
}}</ref>
*News
*News
*Music Programmes – (Music Runway, House of Rock, Music With Bevil)
*Music programmes (''Music Runway'', ''House of Rock'', ''Music With Bevil'')
*Debates and Discussions – (The Round Table, Ayubowan Sri Lanka, Prime Sunrise)
*Debates and discussions (''The Round Table'', ''Ayubowan Sri Lanka'', ''Prime Sunrise'')
*Educational/Variety Programmes – (Prime Sunset)
*Educational and variety programmes (''Prime Sunset'')
*Drama – (Beverly Hills 90210, Relic Hunter, Queen of Swords)
*Drama (''Beverly Hills 90210'', ''Relic Hunter'', ''Queen of Swords'')
*Other – (Sports/Foreign News/Cartoons)
*Other content – Sports, foreign news, cartoons
[[Lakhanda radio|Lakhanda]] – (Primarily broadcasts content in the Sinhala language)<ref>{{cite web
'''[[Lakhanda radio|Lakhanda]] (Sinhala)'''<ref>{{cite web
  |url=http://www.lakhanda.lk/programmes.html
  |url=http://www.lakhanda.lk/programmes.html
  |title=Lakhanda programmes
  |title=Lakhanda programmes
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*Political programmes
*Political programmes


Vasantham FM – (Primarily broadcasts content in the Tamil language)<ref name="gov_vasTV" /><ref>{{cite web
'''Vasantham FM (Tamil)'''<ref name="gov_vasTV" /><ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.vasanthamfm.lk/programs.html
|url=http://www.vasanthamfm.lk/programs.html
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305104255/http://www.vasanthamfm.lk/programs.html
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305104255/http://www.vasanthamfm.lk/programs.html
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*Political programmes
*Political programmes


[[Prime Radio]] – (Primarily broadcasts content in the English language)<ref>{{cite web
'''[[Prime Radio]] (English)'''<ref>{{cite web
  |url        = http://www.primeradio.lk/shows.html
  |url        = http://www.primeradio.lk/shows.html
  |title      = Prime Radio Shows
  |title      = Prime Radio Shows
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==Frequencies and coverage==
==Frequencies and coverage==


Cumulatively, the broadcasts of ITN Ltd reach over 99% of the country. However, the coverage for the individual radio stations and television channels vary considerably.
Cumulatively, the broadcasts of ITN Ltd reach more than 99% of Sri Lanka. However, the individual coverage of each television channel and radio station varies considerably.


ITN<ref name="itn_coverage" />
'''ITN'''<ref name="itn_coverage" />
*Frequency/ies: VHF Ch9, VHF Ch 12, VHF Ch 24
*Frequencies: VHF Channel 9, VHF Channel 12, VHF Channel 24
*Coverage: 99% of country except certain areas in the North
*Coverage: 99% of the country, with limited gaps in certain areas of the Northern Province
*International coverage: Live online streaming at The ITN Channel Online
*International coverage: Live online streaming via ''The ITN Channel Online''


Vasantham TV<ref name="gov_vasTV" />
'''Vasantham TV'''<ref name="gov_vasTV" />
*Frequency/ies:VHF Ch9, UHF 25
*Frequencies: VHF Channel 9, UHF Channel 25
*Coverage:Western Province, North and East
*Coverage: Western Province, Northern Province, Eastern Province
*International coverage: Live online streaming at Vasantham TV Online
*International coverage: Live online streaming via ''Vasantham TV Online''


Prime TV<ref>{{cite web
'''Prime TV'''<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.facebook.com/PrimeTV.UHF24
|url=http://www.facebook.com/PrimeTV.UHF24
|title=Facebook – Prime TV
|title=Facebook – Prime TV
|author=Prime TV
|author=Prime TV
|website=[[Facebook]]
|access-date=31 December 2009
|access-date=31 December 2009
|author-link=Prime TV Sri Lanka
|author-link=Prime TV Sri Lanka
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|author-link=Prime TV Sri Lanka
|author-link=Prime TV Sri Lanka
}}</ref>
}}</ref>
*Frequency/ies:UHF Ch24
*Frequencies: UHF Channel 24
*Coverage:Western Province
*Coverage: Western Province
*International coverage: Live online streaming at Prime TV Online
*International coverage: Live online streaming via ''Prime TV Online''


Lakhanda<ref>{{cite web
'''Lakhanda'''<ref>{{cite web
  |url          = http://www.lakhanda.lk
  |url          = http://www.lakhanda.lk
  |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20061115123501/http://www.lakhanda.lk/
  |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20061115123501/http://www.lakhanda.lk/
Line 330: Line 303:
  |access-date  = 31 December 2009
  |access-date  = 31 December 2009
}}</ref>
}}</ref>
*Frequency/ies + Coverage: 97.6&nbsp;MHz – Colombo, South / 87.9&nbsp;MHz – North and 88.5&nbsp;MHz Islandwide
*Frequencies and coverage: 97.6 MHz – Colombo and Southern Province; 87.9 MHz – Northern Province; and 88.5 MHz – Islandwide
*International coverage: Live online streaming at [https://web.archive.org/web/20061115123501/http://www.lakhanda.lk/ Lakhanda Radio Online
*International coverage: Live online streaming via ''Lakhanda Radio Online''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Untitled Document |url=http://www.lakhanda.lk/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061115123501/http://www.lakhanda.lk/ |archive-date=2006-11-15 |access-date=2025-09-03 |website=www.lakhanda.lk}}</ref>


Vasantham FM<ref name="gov_vasTV" />
'''Vasantham FM'''<ref name="gov_vasTV" />
*Frequency/ies + Coverage: 97.6&nbsp;MHz – Colombo, 97.0Mhz
*Frequencies and coverage: 97.6 MHz – Colombo, 97.0 MHz – other selected regions
*International coverage: Live online streaming at Vasantham FM Online
*International coverage: Live online streaming via Vasantham FM Online


Prime Radio
'''Prime Radio'''<ref>{{cite web
<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.primeradio.lk
|url=http://www.primeradio.lk
|title=Prime Radio
|title=Prime Radio
Line 348: Line 320:
|title=Facebook – Prime Radio
|title=Facebook – Prime Radio
|author=Prime Radio
|author=Prime Radio
|website=[[Facebook]]
|author-link=Prime Radio
|author-link=Prime Radio
|access-date=31 December 2009
|access-date=31 December 2009
Line 357: Line 330:
|access-date=31 December 2009
|access-date=31 December 2009
}}</ref>
}}</ref>
*Frequency/ies + Coverage: 104.5&nbsp;MHz – Colombo, 95.5&nbsp;MHz – Kandy, 99.0&nbsp;MHz – Galle
*Frequencies and coverage: 104.5&nbsp;MHz – Colombo, 95.5&nbsp;MHz – Kandy, 99.0&nbsp;MHz – Galle
*International coverage: Live online streaming at Prime Radio Onlin]
*International coverage: Live online streaming via ''Prime Radio Online''
==Logo==
ITN's logo, which until the June 1979 government takeover, read TV Sri Lanka, was designed by S. H. Sarath. After that, Jayath Janasuriya revised it, replacing "TV" with "ITN" and adding the channel name in Sinhala and Tamil. In December 1999, when Newton Gunaratne became president of the network, the logo underwent a drastic redesign, resembling an ''awanak'' fan, in red, green and blue. This did not last long and was replaced within months by a new one, depicting a purple lily and the channel's initials in black written inside red (I), green (T) and blue (N) circles. It was replaced by a purple symbol on 7 April 2001, putting more empmhasis on the lily, the national flower. On February 8, 2002, the old ITN logo was restored.<ref name="ITN25">{{cite book |title=25 years of television in Sri Lanka |author=Es. Sajīvanī Helan Mutumuṇi |date=2004 |publisher=Katōlika Mādhya Parśdaya (Sri Lanka) |url=https://www.google.pt/books/edition/25_years_of_television_in_Sri_Lanka/EUxQAQAAIAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=%22%E0%B6%92+%E0%B7%80%E0%B6%B1%E0%B7%80%E0%B7%92%E0%B6%A7+%E0%B6%91%E0%B6%BA+%E0%B7%84%E0%B6%B3%E0%B7%94%E0%B6%B1%E0%B7%8A%E0%B7%80%E0%B7%8F+%E0%B6%87%E0%B6%AD%E0%B7%8A%E0%B6%AD%E0%B7%9A+TV+Sri+Lanka%22&dq=%22%E0%B6%92+%E0%B7%80%E0%B6%B1%E0%B7%80%E0%B7%92%E0%B6%A7+%E0%B6%91%E0%B6%BA+%E0%B7%84%E0%B6%B3%E0%B7%94%E0%B6%B1%E0%B7%8A%E0%B7%80%E0%B7%8F+%E0%B6%87%E0%B6%AD%E0%B7%8A%E0%B6%AD%E0%B7%9A+TV+Sri+Lanka%22&printsec=frontcover |access-date=26 December 2025 |language=si}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 367: Line 342:
==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
*ITN starts HD broadcasting: [https://web.archive.org/web/20161002180236/http://www.itnnews.lk/local-news/sri-lankas-first-full-hd-television-studio-complex-will-be-opened-tomorrow/ Sri Lanka’s first full HD television studio complex will be opened tomorrow], 29 June 2016
*ITN starts HD broadcasting: [https://web.archive.org/web/20161002180236/http://www.itnnews.lk/local-news/sri-lankas-first-full-hd-television-studio-complex-will-be-opened-tomorrow/ Sri Lanka's first full HD television studio complex will be opened tomorrow], 29 June 2016


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.itn.lk/ Official website of the ITN Channel]
*[http://www.itn.lk/ Official website of the ITN Channel]
*[http://www.itnfm.lk ITN FM Radio]
*[http://www.itnfm.lk ITN FM Radio]
*[http://www.vasantham.lk/ Vasantham TV]
*[http://www.vasantham.lk/ Vasantham TV] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230917120012/https://www.vasantham.lk/ |date=17 September 2023 }}
*[http://www.vasanthamfm.lk/ Vasantham FM Radio]
*[http://www.vasanthamfm.lk/ Vasantham FM Radio]
*[http://www.primetv.lk/ Prime TV Sri Lanka]
*[http://www.primetv.lk/ Prime TV Sri Lanka]

Latest revision as of 03:57, 27 December 2025


This article is about Sri Lankan television. For the British Independent Television network, see ITV (TV network). For similarly named topics, see Independent Television (disambiguation).
"ITN Ltd" and "ITN channel" redirect here. For the British Independent Television News Limited, see ITN. For the former British ITN News Channel, see ITV News Channel. For similarly named topics, see ITN (disambiguation).

Independent Television Network Ltd
IndustryTelevision
GenreMass media
Founded5 June 1979; 47 years ago (1979-06-05)
Founder(s)
HeadquartersWickramasinghepura,
Battaramulla
,
Sri Lanka
Area served
Sri Lanka
Key people
ProductsBroadcasting Network
RevenueIncrease Rs 2.492 billion (2015)[1]
Decrease Rs 507.33 million(2015)[1]
Increase Rs 433.021 million (2015)[1]
Total assetsIncrease Rs 4.059 billion (2015)[1]
Total equityIncrease Rs 3.198 billion (2015)[1]
Number of employees
684 (2018)[1]
ParentMinistry of Information and Mass Media
Websitewww.itn.lk

Independent Television Network Ltd (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.; Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.), also known as ITN Ltd or simply as ITN (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.), is a state-governed television and radio broadcaster in Sri Lanka. Its headquarters are located in Wickramasinghepura, Battaramulla. ITN received the Shrama Abhimani Award in October 2009.[2] The network broadcasts programmes to a wide demographic within Sri Lanka as well as to the expatriate community. Its content is presented in Sinhala, Tamil, and English, with broadcast coverage extending to 99% of the country.[3][4][5]

The ITN channel is the flagship television channel of ITN Ltd. In addition, ITN operates three FM radio stations: Lakhanda (formerly ITN FM), which broadcasts in Sinhala; Vasantham FM, which broadcasts in Tamil; and Prime Radio, which broadcasts in English. ITN also operates Vasantham TV, a second television channel that broadcasts in Tamil. In recent years, ITN launched ITN News, an online portal designed to distribute local news internationally.[6]

ITN channel was the first 1080p full HD television channel in Sri Lanka. ITN Ltd invested Rs. 200 million in the construction of the country's first HD studio complex, commencing high-resolution broadcasting on 30 June 2016.

History[edit | edit source]

Prior to the establishment of ITN, several decisions had to be taken regarding the deployment of television in Sri Lanka. The Japanese company NEC provided technical assistance for the construction of the station, and later also supported the establishment of Rupavahini in 1982. The development of ITN took place alongside that of Rupavahini. One of the crucial decisions concerned the selection of a colour television system. Although neighbouring India was then operating a black-and-white system using NTSC equipment, Sri Lanka adopted the PAL system, with technical support provided by Japan, which itself used a variant of NTSC.

ITN was founded by Anil Wijewardene and Shan Wickremesinghe at Mahalwarawa, with additional support from an American investor. The first test transmissions were carried out in 1979 and were initially received only in Colombo, the channel's first coverage area. Early programming included international content such as the American educational series Sesame Street and the British sitcom Mind Your Language.[7]

ITN Ltd formally commenced operations on 13 April 1979 with the launch of the ITN television channel.[3] As the first television broadcasting service in Sri Lanka and South Asia, ITN introduced the first terrestrial television channel in the country. It was also the first privately owned television station in a region where radio and television were generally under government control.[8] The founding board of directors comprised Shan Wickramasinghe, Anil Wijewardene and Bob Christie. Initially, the ITN studios and transmission station were located at Mahalwarawa Estate, Pannipitiya. A one-kilowatt transmitter and a 65 feet (20 m) transmission tower broadcast within a 15 miles (24 km) radius of Colombo.[3] However, due to the geographical location of the station, weather conditions and limitations of the transmission equipment, early viewers often experienced disruptions and interference in programmes caused by voltage fluctuations.[citation needed]

On 5 June 1979, ITN Ltd was taken over by the state as a business undertaking under a Competent Authority.[3] The late D. Thevis L. Guruge, former Director General of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation, was appointed as Competent Authority and played a significant role in the early development of the organisation.

Soon after commencing test broadcasts, ITN expanded its regular programming to a wider urban area. Local companies began importing Japanese-manufactured television sets, and sales quickly exceeded projections by UNESCO. At the time, television in India was still limited to black-and-white transmissions by Doordarshan, largely aimed at agricultural education, which contributed to the high demand for Japanese-made television sets in Sri Lanka, some of which were smuggled across borders due to the absence of an established market for foreign brands.[7]

ITN was also the pioneer of colour television broadcasting in Sri Lanka.[8] On 5 June 1984, ITN relocated to its present headquarters in Wickramasinhapura. In 1992, ITN was converted into a public company, with the state as its major shareholder.[3] Thereafter, its revenue, programming diversity, technical capacity and coverage expanded considerably.[citation needed]

Among its radio operations, ITN manages Lakhanda and Vasantham FM. Lakhanda originated as a subsidiary of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) and was amalgamated with ITN Ltd on 1 April 1997.[9] It broadcasts content in Sinhala. Vasantham FM, launched in June 2009, was established to cater to the Tamil-speaking community in Sri Lanka.

On 25 June 2009, ITN introduced its second television channel, Vasantham TV, which broadcasts in Tamil.[10][11] On 12 November 2009, ITN also launched Prime TV and Prime Radio, which provide content in English.[5][12]

Programmes[edit | edit source]

The television channels and radio stations of ITN Ltd broadcast a wide range of programmes in Sinhala, Tamil and English. The following are some of the programmes and genres associated with its services.

ITN channel (Sinhala)[13]

  • News (in Sinhala, Tamil and English)
  • Teledramas (Amaa, Ridee Siththam, Muthu Warusa, Tharu Piri Ahasak, Parana Towuma, Poori, Emy, Snehaye Dasi, Nethu Piyena Thura, Kopi Kade, Aluth Gedera, Sihina Tharaka, Rantharu, Bonda Meedum, Rana)
  • Films – Classic Sinhala films
  • Documentaries (Atapattama)
  • Educational programmes
  • Children's entertainment
  • Programmes dubbed in Sinhala
  • Game shows
  • Reality television
  • Religious programmes
  • Political debates

Vasantham TV (Tamil)[10]

  • News
  • Teledramas
  • Films – Tamil and Hindi films
  • Documentaries
  • Educational programmes [14]
  • Children's entertainment

Prime TV (English)[15]

  • News
  • Music programmes (Music Runway, House of Rock, Music With Bevil)
  • Debates and discussions (The Round Table, Ayubowan Sri Lanka, Prime Sunrise)
  • Educational and variety programmes (Prime Sunset)
  • Drama (Beverly Hills 90210, Relic Hunter, Queen of Swords)
  • Other content – Sports, foreign news, cartoons

Lakhanda (Sinhala)[16][17]

  • News
  • Music – Sinhala
  • Religious programmes
  • Educational programmes
  • Political programmes

Vasantham FM (Tamil)[10][18]

  • News
  • Music – Tamil
  • Religious programmes
  • Educational programmes
  • Political programmes

Prime Radio (English)[19]

  • News
  • Music

Frequencies and coverage[edit | edit source]

Cumulatively, the broadcasts of ITN Ltd reach more than 99% of Sri Lanka. However, the individual coverage of each television channel and radio station varies considerably.

ITN[4]

  • Frequencies: VHF Channel 9, VHF Channel 12, VHF Channel 24
  • Coverage: 99% of the country, with limited gaps in certain areas of the Northern Province
  • International coverage: Live online streaming via The ITN Channel Online

Vasantham TV[10]

  • Frequencies: VHF Channel 9, UHF Channel 25
  • Coverage: Western Province, Northern Province, Eastern Province
  • International coverage: Live online streaming via Vasantham TV Online

Prime TV[20][21]

  • Frequencies: UHF Channel 24
  • Coverage: Western Province
  • International coverage: Live online streaming via Prime TV Online

Lakhanda[22]

  • Frequencies and coverage: 97.6 MHz – Colombo and Southern Province; 87.9 MHz – Northern Province; and 88.5 MHz – Islandwide
  • International coverage: Live online streaming via Lakhanda Radio Online[23]

Vasantham FM[10]

  • Frequencies and coverage: 97.6 MHz – Colombo, 97.0 MHz – other selected regions
  • International coverage: Live online streaming via Vasantham FM Online

Prime Radio[24][25][26]

  • Frequencies and coverage: 104.5 MHz – Colombo, 95.5 MHz – Kandy, 99.0 MHz – Galle
  • International coverage: Live online streaming via Prime Radio Online

[edit | edit source]

ITN's logo, which until the June 1979 government takeover, read TV Sri Lanka, was designed by S. H. Sarath. After that, Jayath Janasuriya revised it, replacing "TV" with "ITN" and adding the channel name in Sinhala and Tamil. In December 1999, when Newton Gunaratne became president of the network, the logo underwent a drastic redesign, resembling an awanak fan, in red, green and blue. This did not last long and was replaced within months by a new one, depicting a purple lily and the channel's initials in black written inside red (I), green (T) and blue (N) circles. It was replaced by a purple symbol on 7 April 2001, putting more empmhasis on the lily, the national flower. On February 8, 2002, the old ITN logo was restored.[27]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 "ITN 2015 Annual Report" (PDF). Parliament of Sri Lanka. Retrieved 12 March 2016.
  2. ↑ The ITN Channel Reporters (14 October 2009). "Shrama Abhimani awards for ITN". The ITN Channel. Retrieved 31 December 2009.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 ITN Digital. "About ITN". Archived from the original on 27 December 2009. Retrieved 31 December 2009.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 The ITN Channel. "Receiving ITN". Archived from the original on 3 January 2010. Retrieved 31 December 2009.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Susitha R. Fernand (22 November 2009). "Prime feat from ITN". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 31 December 2009.[permanent dead link]
  6. ↑ Independent Television Network. "ITN News – Latest Sri Lankan News". Retrieved 31 January 2010.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Amunugama, Sarath (27 November 2022). "Television takes off; JRJ takes over ITN fathered by two of his nephews". The Island. Archived from the original on 7 June 2023. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Observer Reporters (13 September 2009). "Digital future". Sunday Observer. Archived from the original on 6 June 2011. Retrieved 31 December 2009.
  9. ↑ Lakhanda. "Origin of Lakhanda". Archived from the original on 7 December 2009. Retrieved 31 December 2009.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 The Sri Lankan Government (25 June 2009). ""Vasantham TV" transmissions from today". The Official Government News Portal of Sri Lanka. Retrieved 31 December 2009.
  11. ↑ Ruwini Jayawardana (30 June 2009). "ITN introduces Vasantham TV". Daily News. Archived from the original on 5 June 2011. Retrieved 31 December 2009.
  12. ↑ Ruwini Jayawardana (11 November 2009). "Prime TV and Prime Radio breaks into the scene". Daily News. Archived from the original on 5 June 2011. Retrieved 31 December 2009.
  13. ↑ ITN Ltd. "ITN Programmes and Schedule". Archived from the original on 27 December 2009. Retrieved 31 December 2009.
  14. ↑ "Creatas muppets enact 'Panchathanthra'". Sunday Times. Retrieved 11 December 2019.
  15. ↑ Prime TV. "Prime TV Programmes". Retrieved 31 December 2009.
  16. ↑ Lakhanda. "Lakhanda programmes". Archived from the original on 18 December 2009. Retrieved 31 December 2009.
  17. ↑ Lakhanda. "Lakhanda schedule". Archived from the original on 16 December 2009. Retrieved 31 December 2009.
  18. ↑ Vasantham FM. "Vasantham FM Programmes and Schedule". Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 31 December 2009.
  19. ↑ Prime Radio. "Prime Radio Shows". Archived from the original on 22 July 2011. Retrieved 31 December 2009.
  20. ↑ Prime TV. "Facebook – Prime TV". Facebook. Retrieved 31 December 2009.
  21. ↑ Prime TV. "Twitter – Prime TV". Retrieved 31 December 2009.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  22. ↑ Lakhanda. "Lakhanda". Archived from the original on 15 November 2006. Retrieved 31 December 2009.
  23. ↑ "Untitled Document". www.lakhanda.lk. Archived from the original on 15 November 2006. Retrieved 3 September 2025.
  24. ↑ Prime Radio. "Prime Radio". Retrieved 31 December 2009.
  25. ↑ Prime Radio. "Facebook – Prime Radio". Facebook. Retrieved 31 December 2009.
  26. ↑ Prime Radio. "Twitter – Prime Radio". Retrieved 31 December 2009.
  27. ↑ Es. Sajīvanī Helan Mutumuṇi (2004). 25 years of television in Sri Lanka (in සිංහල). Katōlika Mādhya Parśdaya (Sri Lanka). Retrieved 26 December 2025.

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:Media of Sri Lanka

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