BBC stops news radio broadcasts in Sri Lanka

The BBC has announced it is suspending BBC Tamil programming on a state radio broadcaster in Sri Lanka.

BBC World Service Director Peter Horrocks said the decision was taken following “interference” in programming broadcast on the Sri Lankan Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC). The BBC took similar action in 2009 although the corporation will continue to broadcast World Service English content on SLBC.

“We regret the disruption in service to our loyal audiences in Sri Lanka, but such targeted interference in our programmes is a serious breach of trust with those audiences, which the BBC cannot allow. ” – Peter Horrocks

BBC World Service English content is broadcast on SLBC at GMT – 0300 to 0430; 1130 to 1230 and 1330 to 1430 (all GMT)