Cash crunch Rupavahini suspends 24 popular programmes

The transmission of 24 popular programmes of state-owned Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) has been suspended for the first time since its inception owing to severe financial difficulties faced by the institution, SLRC sources revealed.

In a letter sent by the SLRC Deputy Director General Programmes to all division heads of the corporation, the new recordings and live telecast of these 24 programmes have been suspended until further notice due to a cost cutting exercise of the corporation which is struggling to pay salaries of employees.

It has recently requested a Treasury grant to make salary payments and meet urgent expenses owing to massive revenue loss under the present management due to inefficiency, a high ranking official of the SLRC said.

The management has also decided close Rupavahini transmission at 10 pm daily with effect from Tuesday (yesterday).

Among the 24 suspended programmes were popular TV shows like Nugasevena, Ru tube, Sihiniyaki Re, Ayubowewa, Ape Sinduwa, Kreeda Visithuru, and Mahajana Dinya.