ri Lanka’s Consul General to Mumbai Priyanga Wickramasinghe has paid rich homage to the country's Hindi radio service that has been a cultural bridge built across the Indian Ocean. As the Asia Hindi Service of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), formerly known as Radio Ceylon, marks its 75th Platinum Anniversary, Wickramasinghe recalled how the island nation’s radio station profoundly shaped popular culture in India and beyond.&nbsp;The service, which began broadcasting in 1951, emerged as a lifeline for Hindi film music at a pivotal moment. In the 1950s, when All India Radio restricted film songs, Radio Ceylon flung open its airwaves to the magic of Bollywood. “The 1950s became important in understanding the bond between Sri Lanka and, particularly, Mumbai, as well as India, more generally,” Wickramasinghe noted. “The Asia Hindi service itself began in 1951. Radio Ceylon... played an instrumental role in building what I would call a bridge of melodies.”&nbsp;For decades, the iconic programme Binaca Geet Mala, hosted by the legendary voice from Mumbai, Ameen Sayani, became a cultural phenomenon. Broadcast from Colombo’s studios, it carried the timeless melodies of Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar and others into Indian homes, chawls and bungalows across South Asia. “The voice of the legendary Amin Sayani from Mumbai, through the iconic radio program, Binaca Geet Mala, didn’t just broadcast Bollywood songs, but also a shared culture,” the Consul General said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-oil-shipment-reaches-cuba-in-three-months-as-us-allows-russian-ship-to-dock-1774970096603">First oil shipment reaches Cuba in three months as US allows Russian ship to dock</a>&nbsp;Wickramasinghe highlighted how SLBC went beyond mere entertainment. It became the primary vehicle for Bollywood hits when domestic options were limited, curating the soundtrack of countless lives. Indian artists found a welcoming second home in Colombo’s studios, while Hindi film music and, by extension, elements of Indian popular culture, gained deep popularity in Sri Lanka, despite Hindi not being a local language.&nbsp;The diplomat emphasised the broader impact: “This was also the beginning of the popularisation of Hindi and particularly Bollywood songs in Sri Lanka’s popular culture... Given that Binaca Geet Mala was initiated by Radio Ceylon with a viable sponsor model that continued over decades, it also seems to me that this service laid the groundwork for the modern advertising and media landscapes that we see today in both countries.”Even as technology evolved from shortwave signals to digital streams, the emotional connection endures. “Historically, I think even as technology has shifted from shortwave to digital streams, the emotional frequency remains the same,” Wickramasinghe observed.&nbsp;Marking the jubilee, she added powerfully: “We aren’t just celebrating 75 years of broadcasting. We are also celebrating 75 years of listening to one another and understanding culture across the ocean. This goes way beyond politics.”&nbsp;In an era of digital noise, the SLBC Asia Hindi Service stands as a testament to enduring friendship. “The airwaves of SLBC continue to carry messages of peace, music and a friendship that is as timeless as a classic melody,” she said.&nbsp;Wickramasinghe expressed hope for the future, urging the service to leverage its soft power, diplomatic and commercial potential. She called for recreating the success of the 1950s-70s “for the rest of this century,” using nostalgia to strengthen people-to-people ties across South Asia.&nbsp;

In the 1950s, when All India Radio restricted film songs, Radio Ceylon flung open its airwaves to the magic of Bollywood. “The 1950s became important in understanding the bond between Sri Lanka and, particularly, Mumbai, as well as India, more generally,” Wickramasinghe noted.

ri Lanka’s Consul General to Mumbai Priyanga Wickramasinghe has paid rich homage to the country's Hindi radio service that has been a cultural bridge built across the Indian Ocean. As the Asia Hindi Service of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), formerly known as Radio Ceylon, marks its 75th Platinum Anniversary, Wickramasinghe recalled how the island nation’s radio station profoundly shaped popular culture in India and beyond. The service, which began broadcasting in 1951, emerged as a lifeline for Hindi film music at a pivotal moment. In the 1950s, when All India Radio restricted film songs, Radio Ceylon flung open its airwaves to the magic of Bollywood. “The 1950s became important in understanding the bond between Sri Lanka and, particularly, Mumbai, as well as India, more generally,” Wickramasinghe noted. “The Asia Hindi service itself began in 1951. Radio Ceylon... played an instrumental role in building what I would call a bridge of melodies.” For decades, the iconic programme Binaca Geet Mala, hosted by the legendary voice from Mumbai, Ameen Sayani, became a cultural phenomenon. Broadcast from Colombo’s studios, it carried the timeless melodies of Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar and others into Indian homes, chawls and bungalows across South Asia. “The voice of the legendary Amin Sayani from Mumbai, through the iconic radio program, Binaca Geet Mala, didn’t just broadcast Bollywood songs, but also a shared culture,” the Consul General said. Also Read: First oil shipment reaches Cuba in three months as US allows Russian ship to dock Wickramasinghe highlighted how SLBC went beyond mere entertainment. It became the primary vehicle for Bollywood hits when domestic options were limited, curating the soundtrack of countless lives. Indian artists found a welcoming second home in Colombo’s studios, while Hindi film music and, by extension, elements of Indian popular culture, gained deep popularity in Sri Lanka, despite Hindi not being a local language. The diplomat emphasised the broader impact: “This was also the beginning of the popularisation of Hindi and particularly Bollywood songs in Sri Lanka’s popular culture... Given that Binaca Geet Mala was initiated by Radio Ceylon with a viable sponsor model that continued over decades, it also seems to me that this service laid the groundwork for the modern advertising and media landscapes that we see today in both countries.” Even as technology evolved from shortwave signals to digital streams, the emotional connection endures. “Historically, I think even as technology has shifted from shortwave to digital streams, the emotional frequency remains the same,” Wickramasinghe observed. Marking the jubilee, she added powerfully: “We aren’t just celebrating 75 years of broadcasting. We are also celebrating 75 years of listening to one another and understanding culture across the ocean. This goes way beyond politics.” In an era of digital noise, the SLBC Asia Hindi Service stands as a testament to enduring friendship. “The airwaves of SLBC continue to carry messages of peace, music and a friendship that is as timeless as a classic melody,” she said. Wickramasinghe expressed hope for the future, urging the service to leverage its soft power, diplomatic and commercial potential. She called for recreating the success of the 1950s-70s “for the rest of this century,” using nostalgia to strengthen people-to-people ties across South Asia.

In the 1950s, when All India Radio restricted film songs, Radio Ceylon flung open its airwaves to the magic of Bollywood. “The 1950s became important in understanding the bond between Sri Lanka and, particularly, Mumbai, as well as India, more generally,” Wickramasinghe noted.

Sri Lankan diplomat hails Radio Ceylon’s Hindi service as it turns 75, recalls Binaca Geet Mala and Amin Sayani

Sri Lanka's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs has warmly thanked India for rushing emergency fuel supplies as the war in West Asia threatens energy security in the region. A shipment of 38,000 metric tonnes of petroleum arrived in Colombo on 28 March 2026. It included 20,000 MT of diesel and 18,000 MT of petrol. Speaking to WION, Arun Hemachandra said: "We acknowledge with appreciation the timely support extended by India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in ensuring the continuity of fuel supplies to Sri Lanka during this period of global uncertainty."&nbsp;The delivery followed urgent high-level contacts. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.&nbsp;India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar also spoke with Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath.&nbsp;Lanka IOC had secured fuel for March from the Middle East and Singapore, but suppliers invoked force majeure because of disruptions and vessel shortages caused by the conflict. Colombo then requested rescue supplies from India's Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL). Hemachandra placed the assistance in a broader strategic context. "This gesture reflects the spirit of India’s vision of MAHASAGAR and the Neighbourhood First policy, underscoring the importance of regional solidarity and shared responsibility."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-warns-will-target-uss-abraham-lincoln-if-it-moves-within-range-to-avenge-iris-dena-martyrs-1774791281873">Iran warns ‘will target USS Abraham Lincoln’ if it moves within range to avenge IRIS Dena martyrs</a>&nbsp;He added: "At a time when global energy supply chains are under pressure amid prevailing conditions in the Middle East, such cooperation highlights the strength of partnership, trust, and responsiveness within our region."&nbsp;Sri Lanka remains focused on keeping energy flowing to its citizens. "Sri Lanka remains committed to ensuring stable, reliable, and sustainable energy access for our people, while continuing to engage constructively with all partners in line with our national interest," the deputy minister said.&nbsp;The shipment came through Lanka IOC and forms part of India's support to help maintain continuity of fuel supplies. Hemachandra's comments come as the island nation, still sensitive to past economic shocks, deals with fresh pressures from global oil markets. For Sri Lanka, the Indian fuel provides immediate relief and breathing space. For the wider Indian Ocean region, it reinforces the value of neighbourhood cooperation when distant conflicts ripple across supply chains.

The delivery followed urgent high-level contacts. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Sri Lanka's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs has warmly thanked India for rushing emergency fuel supplies as the war in West Asia threatens energy security in the region. A shipment of 38,000 metric tonnes of petroleum arrived in Colombo on 28 March 2026. It included 20,000 MT of diesel and 18,000 MT of petrol. Speaking to WION, Arun Hemachandra said: "We acknowledge with appreciation the timely support extended by India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in ensuring the continuity of fuel supplies to Sri Lanka during this period of global uncertainty." The delivery followed urgent high-level contacts. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar also spoke with Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath. Lanka IOC had secured fuel for March from the Middle East and Singapore, but suppliers invoked force majeure because of disruptions and vessel shortages caused by the conflict. Colombo then requested rescue supplies from India's Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL). Hemachandra placed the assistance in a broader strategic context. "This gesture reflects the spirit of India’s vision of MAHASAGAR and the Neighbourhood First policy, underscoring the importance of regional solidarity and shared responsibility." Also Read: Iran warns ‘will target USS Abraham Lincoln’ if it moves within range to avenge IRIS Dena martyrs He added: "At a time when global energy supply chains are under pressure amid prevailing conditions in the Middle East, such cooperation highlights the strength of partnership, trust, and responsiveness within our region." Sri Lanka remains focused on keeping energy flowing to its citizens. "Sri Lanka remains committed to ensuring stable, reliable, and sustainable energy access for our people, while continuing to engage constructively with all partners in line with our national interest," the deputy minister said. The shipment came through Lanka IOC and forms part of India's support to help maintain continuity of fuel supplies. Hemachandra's comments come as the island nation, still sensitive to past economic shocks, deals with fresh pressures from global oil markets. For Sri Lanka, the Indian fuel provides immediate relief and breathing space. For the wider Indian Ocean region, it reinforces the value of neighbourhood cooperation when distant conflicts ripple across supply chains.

The delivery followed urgent high-level contacts. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

'Trust and responsiveness': Sri Lanka deputy FM thanks India for emergency petroleum shipment

A top Sri Lankan lawmaker has offered a striking assessment of the current state of India-Sri Lanka ties, saying there is unprecedented positive sentiment toward New Delhi across the political spectrum in Colombo. S.M. Marikkar, Chairman of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development in Sri Lanka’s Parliament, speaking to WION’s Sidhant Sibal, said that the bilateral relationship has reached a historic high point.&nbsp;“In my life, this is the first time I have seen no person, no political parties, no institution, against India,” Marikkar said. “Very first time, government, opposition, everyone is talking very positively about India.”&nbsp;Marikkar credited India’s steady support, both in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah and Sri Lanka’s devastating 2022 economic crisis, for fuelling this goodwill. “The coordination and the support India gave, no one can deny that, and no one can go against,” he said. He expressed hope that the two neighbours could navigate the crisis that emerged after the West Asia war together.&nbsp;&nbsp;Full interview:&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: How important this committee is...S.M. Marikkar: Parliament runs through the seven sectoral oversight committees, and the Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and the Strategic Development Committee is one of them, which I am chairing. Four main cabinet ministries and 50 government institutions are under this committee, basically power and energy, ports &amp; aviation, urban development and housing, and water resources and also highways and transport.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: If you can perhaps talk about the West Asia crisis, how is it impacting Sri Lanka? There are a lot of reports coming in from Sri Lanka, but we like to hear from you about the situation on the ground.S.M. Marikkar: It’s impacting a lot in Sri Lanka. Export, remittances, tourism, and FDI are getting impacted. Sri Lanka reserves only about $7 billion. It's a very small amount when it comes to our economy. So, it has impacted us, and we are seeking support from the neighbouring countries, regional leaders, and the other supporters. Even if this West Asia crisis finishes tomorrow, it will take some more time for us to recover from the situation and with the dollar revenue. I hope, like earlier, we as neighbours and extended family are working together with India. I heard that the Prime Minister of India had a chat with the Sri Lanka President. I think that is a kind of a relief for us. We remember, even during the last economic crisis in 2022, India came forward to support us, India being the largest trade partner, the largest tourism partner, and the cultural partner. Of course, in the last few years, they have rapidly increased the foreign direct investment that will be helping us. So in this difficult time, with energy and other stuff, India will help. We have taken, as a country, all the measures to control this situation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: How do you see the India-Sri Lanka partnership at this moment, when it comes to the West Asia crisisS.M. Marikkar: India-Sri Lanka partnership, in my life, this is the first time I have seen no person, no political parties, no institution, not against India. Very first time, government opposition, everyone is talking very positively about India. The coordination and the support India gave, no one can deny that and no one can go against. So I think this is the first time in the last half a century, or whatever, that the India and Sri Lanka partnership has been very strong. With this West Asia crisis, if as a regional unity, I think we can come out because India is one of the global leaders who are guiding us and who can support us.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: I like to probe you on the fact that you said that now there is no party, there is no anti-India sentiment in Sri Lanka. What has been the reason behind it? Is it that there is a certain assessment now in the Sri Lankan society, in politics, that this is a country that is playing an important role in terms of any crisis that is the Covid crisis, whether it is the economic crisis that you face and possibly upcoming support when it comes to the West Asia warS.M. Marikkar: Two reasons, when there was that Cyclonic Storm Ditwah and the economic crisis, India was the first country that was helping us. People of Sri Lanka realised that. Number two, whoever made the negative comment or the protest, they are in power. We are a centre-right party, we interact with the global community, so there’s no issue.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal:&nbsp;My final question, sir, your visit. About your visit, essentially, how has it been? You've already talked about the committee as such, but how has been your conversations here, your meetings with other important stakeholders here in Delhi, and possibly soon in other leg of your visitS.M. Marikkar: I would say me and my committee are very impressed with how India is applying technology to infrastructure development in order to reduce corruption, focus on transparency, on-time delivery, follow-up, and maintenance. We have been visiting so many infrastructure institutions. We visited the National Highway Authority and Metro and so many other institutions, and it shows us how the public private partnership works when it comes to the infrastructure. Sri Lanka needs rapid development in the infrastructure sector that will boost the Sri Lankan economic sector. India is our neighbour country. They are applying technology and so many various things. We have a lot to learn. We will get further more support from the Indian experts, and, of course, Sri Lanka needs the investment. We have not much capital to spend on the capital expenditure. So definitely, not only the knowledge and the technology from India. We expect foreign direct investment as well in order to achieve our goal.

SM Marikkar credited India’s steady support, both in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah and Sri Lanka’s devastating 2022 economic crisis, for fuelling this goodwill. He expressed hope that the two neighbours could navigate the crisis that emerged after the West Asia war together. 

A top Sri Lankan lawmaker has offered a striking assessment of the current state of India-Sri Lanka ties, saying there is unprecedented positive sentiment toward New Delhi across the political spectrum in Colombo. S.M. Marikkar, Chairman of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development in Sri Lanka’s Parliament, speaking to WION’s Sidhant Sibal, said that the bilateral relationship has reached a historic high point. “In my life, this is the first time I have seen no person, no political parties, no institution, against India,” Marikkar said. “Very first time, government, opposition, everyone is talking very positively about India.” Marikkar credited India’s steady support, both in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah and Sri Lanka’s devastating 2022 economic crisis, for fuelling this goodwill. “The coordination and the support India gave, no one can deny that, and no one can go against,” he said. He expressed hope that the two neighbours could navigate the crisis that emerged after the West Asia war together. Full interview: Sidhant Sibal: How important this committee is... S.M. Marikkar: Parliament runs through the seven sectoral oversight committees, and the Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and the Strategic Development Committee is one of them, which I am chairing. Four main cabinet ministries and 50 government institutions are under this committee, basically power and energy, ports & aviation, urban development and housing, and water resources and also highways and transport. Sidhant Sibal: If you can perhaps talk about the West Asia crisis, how is it impacting Sri Lanka? There are a lot of reports coming in from Sri Lanka, but we like to hear from you about the situation on the ground. S.M. Marikkar: It’s impacting a lot in Sri Lanka. Export, remittances, tourism, and FDI are getting impacted. Sri Lanka reserves only about $7 billion. It's a very small amount when it comes to our economy. So, it has impacted us, and we are seeking support from the neighbouring countries, regional leaders, and the other supporters. Even if this West Asia crisis finishes tomorrow, it will take some more time for us to recover from the situation and with the dollar revenue. I hope, like earlier, we as neighbours and extended family are working together with India. I heard that the Prime Minister of India had a chat with the Sri Lanka President. I think that is a kind of a relief for us. We remember, even during the last economic crisis in 2022, India came forward to support us, India being the largest trade partner, the largest tourism partner, and the cultural partner. Of course, in the last few years, they have rapidly increased the foreign direct investment that will be helping us. So in this difficult time, with energy and other stuff, India will help. We have taken, as a country, all the measures to control this situation. Sidhant Sibal: How do you see the India-Sri Lanka partnership at this moment, when it comes to the West Asia crisis S.M. Marikkar: India-Sri Lanka partnership, in my life, this is the first time I have seen no person, no political parties, no institution, not against India. Very first time, government opposition, everyone is talking very positively about India. The coordination and the support India gave, no one can deny that and no one can go against. So I think this is the first time in the last half a century, or whatever, that the India and Sri Lanka partnership has been very strong. With this West Asia crisis, if as a regional unity, I think we can come out because India is one of the global leaders who are guiding us and who can support us. Sidhant Sibal: I like to probe you on the fact that you said that now there is no party, there is no anti-India sentiment in Sri Lanka. What has been the reason behind it? Is it that there is a certain assessment now in the Sri Lankan society, in politics, that this is a country that is playing an important role in terms of any crisis that is the Covid crisis, whether it is the economic crisis that you face and possibly upcoming support when it comes to the West Asia war S.M. Marikkar: Two reasons, when there was that Cyclonic Storm Ditwah and the economic crisis, India was the first country that was helping us. People of Sri Lanka realised that. Number two, whoever made the negative comment or the protest, they are in power. We are a centre-right party, we interact with the global community, so there’s no issue. Sidhant Sibal: My final question, sir, your visit. About your visit, essentially, how has it been? You've already talked about the committee as such, but how has been your conversations here, your meetings with other important stakeholders here in Delhi, and possibly soon in other leg of your visit S.M. Marikkar: I would say me and my committee are very impressed with how India is applying technology to infrastructure development in order to reduce corruption, focus on transparency, on-time delivery, follow-up, and maintenance. We have been visiting so many infrastructure institutions. We visited the National Highway Authority and Metro and so many other institutions, and it shows us how the public private partnership works when it comes to the infrastructure. Sri Lanka needs rapid development in the infrastructure sector that will boost the Sri Lankan economic sector. India is our neighbour country. They are applying technology and so many various things. We have a lot to learn. We will get further more support from the Indian experts, and, of course, Sri Lanka needs the investment. We have not much capital to spend on the capital expenditure. So definitely, not only the knowledge and the technology from India. We expect foreign direct investment as well in order to achieve our goal.

SM Marikkar credited India’s steady support, both in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah and Sri Lanka’s devastating 2022 economic crisis, for fuelling this goodwill. He expressed hope that the two neighbours could navigate the crisis that emerged after the West Asia war together.&nbsp;

‘For the first time in my life, no one is against India’: Chair of top Sri Lankan Parliament panel S M Marikkar

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Sri Lankan diplomat hails Radio Ceylon’s Hindi service as it turns 75, recalls Binaca Geet Mala and Amin Sayani

Sri Lanka deputy FM praises India’s ‘trust and responsiveness’ in fuel shipment

‘For the first time in my life, no one is against India in Sri Lanka’: Marikkar