An unconditional public apology is due from Mr Hudson Samarasinghe

By Vipula Gunawardena

(December 25, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Many listeners of the SLBC programs in Sri Lanka and overseas have categorically condemned in “strongest terms” the frequent use of “abusive and inappropriate” type language by it’s Head, Mr Hudson Samarasinghe in programs being aired by the SLBC. SLBC has a credible history, not only in Sri Lanka, but also in south-East Asia. Unfortunately, the unacceptable behavior of Mr Hudson Samarasignhe, the Chairman of SLBC, has destroyed it. It is sad to see that the SLBC has gone to such low levels. It is time that the public, media etc to express their outrage about this public abuse of the mass media to express indecent language.

It is surprising how this kind of unacceptable practice has been allowed in the SLBC. The programmes conducted by Hudson Samarasinghe under the title “Ratama Katha Karai” is has gone on air for several months and, unfortunately the Sri Lankan authorities has allowed the “abusive and inappropriate” type language to be continued. This is an act of extreme bad taste and irresponsibility on the part of the Sri Lankan authorities. If Mr Hudson Samarasinghe continues to behave in this unacceptable manner, I am sure, eventually, the blame goes to President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Mr Hudson Samarasinghe is not an asset to Mahinda Rajapaksa administration. Indeed, he is a liability.

The indecent and abusive type language consistently being used by Mr Hudson Samarasinghe, under the banner of “Free Media” may be acceptable for western world where some filthy words is frequently used in public media. However, for a country like Sri Lanka with 2,500-years of written history and culture, this kind of language is totally unacceptable in public media, in whatever the standards. Mr Hudson Samarasinghe is giving a “Wrong” message to our children, the next generation.

We are frequently talking about the environmental pollution, water pollution, etc. In fact, the abusive and inappropriate language of Mr Hudson Samarasinghe, the Chairman of SLBC, should be seriously considered as a “Pollution of Language or Culture”.

It is true when we meet our closest friends, we use words such as “Machan, Yako, Umba” etc. But, they should not be used in public media. It is pity that Mr Hudson Samarasinghe, the Chairman of SLBC, has not understood the basic fundamentals in journalism. He is using the language he generally uses at his home to address his wife, children and grand-children when addressing the public. He has proven that he is not suitable to hold this prestigious post of Chairman of SLBC. Instead he is best suited to a “Fish Market” in Colombo.

As I understand from one of the leading journalist from Sri Lanka, Mr Hudson Samarasinghe is helpless; he cannot control himself and his indecent language. It is the way he has been brought up by his parents from his childhood. His parents too should be blamed for giving birth to such a person to this civilized society.

The Sri Lanka Guardian has opened-up a discussion forum as well in the above two URL’s so that if anyone interested in expressing views, they can do so. I appeal everyone who is interested in saving the good name of SLBC to come forward and express your view.

An unconditional public apology is due without any further delay from Mr Hudson Samarasinghe, the Chairman of SLBC, for all of it’s listeners in Sri Lanka and overseas for the frequent use of “abusive and indecent language” in programs in SLBC.