Convenor’s Message – By Dr. Himaya S.W.A

Convenor’s Message – By Dr. Himaya S.W.A

Source : Dæhæna – July 2026

When we think about community radio, we often think about broadcasting. But at its heart, community radio has never really been about radio…it has always been about people.

For 46 years, the Radio 4EB Sri Lankan Group has been far more than a radio programming group for the Sri Lankan community in Brisbane. It has been a voice that connected generations, celebrated culture, shared stories, supported community initiatives, nurtured generations of community leaders and connected the community to our roots. As I step into the role of Convenor, I do so with deep respect for the volunteers and leaders who have carried this responsibility before me. Their dedication has created a remarkable platform that belongs to the community and is sustained by the community.

Today, we find ourselves in a world very different from the one in which our group was founded. Information moves faster, attention is divided across countless platforms, and people consume media differently. Communities are more connected digitally, yet often remain disconnected personally. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Our challenge is to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world. Our

opportunity is to reimagine what a community media organisation can be and how we keep connections evolving and meaningful. The vision for the Radio 4EB Sri Lankan Group is to be the trusted voice, a creative platform, and a unifying force for the Sri Lankan community in Queensland. Beyond radio, I see us as a vibrant hub for connection, creativity, and community engagement. Through our platforms: Radio 4EB 98.1 FM, the Daehaena Newsletter and the 4EB Brisbane Radio-Sri Lankan Group Facebook page, we have the privileged opportunity to bring the community together. Through quality programming, stronger community engagement, and meaningful partnerships, we have an opportunity to strengthen our reach and continue building Radio 4EB as a trusted source of information, inspiration, and connection for our community.

As we move forward, we will continue to embrace new ideas while staying true to the values that have brought us this far. Most importantly, I hope we never lose sight of why we exist: not simply to broadcast,
but to connect; not simply to inform, but to inspire; not simply to preserve our community, but to help it grow and flourish for generations to come.

I look forward to this journey and warmly invite everyone in our community to be part of shaping the next chapter of the Radio 4EB Sri Lankan Group. Our greatest strength has always been our people, the connections we build, and the sense of community we share. With your continued support, we can carry this legacy forward and write the next chapter together.

Dr. Himaya S.W.A.
Convenor, 4EB Sri Lankan Group