Establishment of Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation and Launch of National Television Broadcasting

On 14/02/1982, the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) was formally established as Sri Lanka’s national television broadcaster, marking the institutional foundation of state television in the country. The following day, on 15/02/1982, the corporation commenced official broadcasting, introducing regular terrestrial television services to viewers across the island. The Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation was created under the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation Act No. 6 of 1982, enacted by the Parliament of Sri Lanka. Its mandate included operating television broadcasting services in the national interest, promoting education, information dissemination, and cultural programming. The launch took place during the presidency of J. R. Jayewardene, at a time when Sri Lanka was expanding its state media infrastructure. The establishment of SLRC followed earlier experimental television broadcasts conducted in the late 1970s. In 1979, the Independent Television Network (ITN) had begun limited transmissions before later coming under state control. The creation of SLRC in 1982 consolidated national television broadcasting under a statutory corporation, providing a structured framework for content production, transmission, and nationwide coverage. From its inception, SLRC broadcast in Sinhala and Tamil, reflecting Sri Lanka’s linguistic diversity. Over time, the corporation expanded its reach through additional channels and improved transmission infrastructure, becoming a primary source of news, educational content, and entertainment programming. The launch in February 1982 thus marked the start of regular national television broadcasting under a state-established entity in Sri Lanka.