Today (21) marks the 32nd anniversary of TNL (Telshan Network Limited), Sri Lankas very first personal tv media channel.TNL was founded by Shan Wickramasinghe and officially released on June 21, 1993.
Prior to this, in 1979, Wickramasinghe contributed Independent Television to the country, which was later taken over by the government.TNL emerged a couple of years later as a pioneering effort to reestablish independent broadcasting in Sri Lanka.TNL holds the difference of being the very first private television channel in the country to relay news in both Sinhala and English.
In 1995, the station likewise presented political discussion shows with the launch of Janahada, a program that continues to engage audiences to this day.Through programs such as Always Breakdown, TNL utilized satire and comedy to show political truths, providing social commentary in an available format.
The channel also got popularity for its musical programs, offering a platform for artists and entertainment for viewers.In 1998, TNL broadened into radio broadcasting with the launch of Isira FM, further boosting its function in providing news and entertainment to the general public through numerous platforms.Under the management of Chairman Shan Wickramasinghe, TNL introduced a series of instructional and religious shows aimed at cultivating a more informed and spiritually enriched society.
Significant among these were Nena Pahana, Ama Dahara, Dharma Winishchaya, and Dharma Pradeepa Sadaham Charika.TNL likewise connected with audiences through its affiliated channels, The Buddhist and Didula, reinforcing its cultural and spiritual outreach.Programs such as Waidya Hamuwa, Ridma Rathriya, and Paduru Party remain fondly kept in mind by audiences, while home entertainment offerings like Rasanandaya, and niche content such as the occult series Nopenena Lokaya and astrology show Isiwara Isawwa have actually continued to enjoy popularity.TNL has also contributed considerably to shows for women and kids.
The childrens series Sihina Nelum Mal and numerous cooking shows supplied diverse material dealing with a vast array of audiences.