An awareness programme aimed to inform media institution owners, executives, and key stakeholders about the Digitalisation of Terrestrial Television Broadcasting (DTTB) Project was held in Colombo with Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa in attendance on Monday (28). The project seeks to transition Sri Lanka’s television broadcasting sector from its four-decade-old analog system to a single, unified digital broadcasting platform.
During the briefing, stakeholders were updated on the current progress, future action plans, and the technological and operational transformation the DTTB project is expected to bring to the country’s TV broadcasting industry.
Implemented with support from the Japanese Government and the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA), the project will introduce the ISDB-T digital terrestrial television standard to Sri Lanka. Its key objectives are to deliver High-Definition (HD) television services, improve signal coverage and ensure more efficient utilisation of the radio frequency spectrum.
This digital transition will provide TV viewers with superior picture and sound quality, expanded coverage and an enhanced overall viewing experience. Establishing a shared digital platform for all television stations will also reduce the need for individual broadcasters to maintain separate transmission infrastructures, expand coverage reach and create opportunities for new value-added digital services.
The DTTB project is currently in the design and platform development phase. According to current plans, the first digital television experience is targeted for launch to Sri Lankan audiences by December 2028.
Speaking at the event, Health and Mass Media Minister emphasised that this project should not be viewed merely as an upgrade to television technology.
He noted that it is a critical national initiative aimed at modernising domestic broadcasting infrastructure, enhancing efficiency, and building a strong foundation for Sri Lanka’s broader digital transformation.
The Minister pointed out that Sri Lankan TV channels currently operate on separate analog networks. The DTTB project aims to establish a common digital platform for all broadcasters, which will deliver higher quality services to viewers while creating a more efficient operational framework for media organisations.
Emphasising the need for a nationally strategic infrastructure system, Dr. Jayatissa added that optimising the spectrum currently used for analog TV will free up valuable space and opportunities to further expand telecom infrastructure.
He stressed that the benefits of the DTTB project extend beyond television, serving as a key bridge linking broadcasting modernisation, telecom sector growth and Sri Lanka’s overall digital future.
Given that this shared platform will serve both State and private broadcasters, the Minister emphasised the paramount importance of having a clear, structured and accountable operational framework. He reiterated the Government’s firm policy to operate the platform with transparency, fairness, accountability and without discrimination toward any party.
Digital Economy Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne, Japan’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka Akio Isomata, Chief Representative of the JICA Sri Lanka Office Shigeo Honzu, Health and Mass Media Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Digital Economy Ministry Secretary Varuna Sri Dhanapala and Project Head Prasanga Rajapaksha also addressed the gathering.
Science and Technology Minister Prof. Chrishantha Abeysena, Mass Media Deputy Minister Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne, media executives and owners, officials from the Health and Mass Media, and Digital Economy Ministries, alongside a large gathering from the media fraternity attended the event.
