Indrasiri Suraweera resolute Broadcaster in television at ITN with specific communication skills, possessing abundant humanity virtues – by Sunil Thenabadu
Photo source:youtube.com
Any traditional Television broadcaster should possess characteristic attributes with excellent communication skills,which includes the ability to speak on-camera communicate well in a team environment. Communication skills required in a television broadcast both in front and behind the camera.Another vital area is passion as the contemporary viewing public could spot a ‘pseudo’ presenter effortlessly. A competent announcer is genuinely aware what needs to be done forming a network with the audience. A decent announcer needs solid researching skills to have the ability to reach the bottom of a story with applicable information. Another vital aspect is the aptitude to cope with pressure been able to meet deadlines. Of course, an ideal presenter should have leadership qualities to lead television anchor be willing to help, guide and shape younger reporters behind the scenes as a mentor possessing abundant humanity virtues.
Possessing all above traits Indrasiri Suraweera born on 25th July 1975, renowned broadcaster of the Independent Television Network is held in high esteem and admired by the entire staff of the ITN as well as by so many viewers of the channel for well over a decade having been previously a relief announcer at the SLBC. He counts twenty four years immaculate service in the media field at national and international platforms.Has also excelled as a lyrics writer some songs have been hits.Suraweera is a person ever willing to face challenges which is a hall mark of his success in climbing the ladder to prominence. His skills base is diverse ranging from announcing. Producing ,program editing,music mixing, management of digital media ,information literacy ,IT operating-Windows.He is also guest speaker at Sri Lanka television Training Institute,NYSC from year 2012 to date.Sabaragamuwa University from 2005 to date,Media society of National Schools in Sri Lanka,Music Therapist Department of Cultural Affairs, as the Proprietor of Laksara Digital Radio
Suraweera the acclaimed television presenter at the ITN is positioned as the Executive Communicator at the ITN.He is also the Executive Communicator at the ITN Lakhanda Frequency Modulation radio channel 93.5 and 93.7 frequencies ( voice of Sri Lanka). The FM radio channel recently celebrated twenty five years in existence with a musical show featuring many of Sri Lanka’s cream artistes termed “Colour of Love” which was well presented by Suraweera.This video has been so far viewed by millions. It is pertinent to mention that Suraweera is a sought after presenter for many musical concerts indoor and outdoor having compered so many at intervals over the years.This attribute of Suraweera is an innate talent just like a ‘duck taking to water’After sustaining all audiences and the artistes after compering music shows immaculately he remains silent and unassuming, a unique quality of a genius.
Indrasiri Suraweera had been able to be so competent in the field of TV broadcaster having learnt, gaining knowledge in the finer areas from the Sri Lanka media Institution in 1997, Board of Sri Lanka Newspaper 1998, the University of Vocational Technology in year 2013.He also possess a Post Graduate diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Colombo Sri Palee campus in 2015 from where he had been able to grasp the compulsory motivation.Suraweera had excelled in Publications and compiling articles.”Mage Witharakama Neme” newspaper column 59 articles between 2012-2013.”Mage Novena mama” newspaper column articles 25 published in 2014.”Aluth Adarayak “ newspaper articles on sociological standpoint, Resa Newspaper from 2018 to 2020 ,54 articles,For 10th anniversary of Lakhanda radio on Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana thero, On the “river flowing from past on Sri lanka’s national mark of music Master WD Amaradeva in year 2004 for the 8th anniversary of Lakhanda.
Suraweera had conducted many interviews successfully in ITN for artistes of various categories and celebrities. Of course it is not easy to conduct such programs without researching skills. For instance when he interviewed octogenarian Dr Harischandra Wijethunga ,a multi-faceted colossal literary genius ,a revered mythical scholar, author,translator,
Suraweera had been in the thick of many musical programs for well over a decade. Such a program that comes to viewers memory is “Sanhinda” where he had to coordinate as much as ten guests in facilitating artists some of who are legends in the respective fields also with a musical orchestra where a few songs are chanted.Among other many programs what comes to viewers minds apart from ‘Sanhinda’ are “Nomiyena Sihinaya” and “ Siyapath Pokura” which are comprehensive programs paying tribute to legendary yesteryear artistes.He had affirmed that for such programs contacting the relevant personnel was a cumbersome process.
It is regretted to convey that Indrasiri Suraweera justified awards at all awards ceremonies though had been nominated on numerous occasions to be precise fourteen times, was awarded the “Best Television Presenter” Rupavahini state award 2020 at the State awards ceremony held recently.Despite not winning awards consecutively, Suraweera had never lost enthusiasm or passion had executed duties assigned in the same vein was not interested in receipt of awards which are decided by a panel of judges who may not be aware of the talent, toil and sweat,but Suraweera had been self-gratified. Suraweera .In year 1996 had won a special award young leadership at NYSC when he was barely 21 years old ,in 1998 also won a special award at the NYSC also for young leadership, in 2012 won special jury merit award at Raigam TELEES Tele Awards, same year 2102 was awarded the best televion presenter at Sumathi awards,in 2014 won Rupavahini state award, special jury merit award for musical program, 2018 won the Presidential media award for the best Radio program of the year,In year 2019 won the state Radio award for best announcer. In the context of the a foregoing the contribution Suraweera had made to ITN and Lakhanda is gigantic at such a young age.All followers of music in ITN television and ITN Lakhanda radio should expect more innovations following his illustrious unblemished career to date
Sunil Thenabadu in Brisbane
