Sri Lanka Moves to Digitalise Television Broadcasting After More Than Four Decades of Analogue Transmission

Sri Lanka has taken steps to digitalise its terrestrial television broadcasting system, which has been in use for more than four decades.

A special programme was held on September 28 at the Lotus Tower premises in Colombo to brief media institution owners, heads and other stakeholders on the progress of the Digitalisation of Terrestrial Television Broadcasting (DTTB) Project.

The project aims to replace the existing analogue television broadcasting system with a common digital broadcasting platform for all television broadcasters. The programme focused on the current progress of the project, its next steps and the technological and operational changes expected within Sri Lanka’s television broadcasting sector.

Implemented with the support of the Government of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the project is expected to introduce the ISDB-T digital television broadcasting standard in Sri Lanka. Key objectives include providing high-definition television services, improving signal coverage and ensuring more efficient use of the radio-frequency spectrum.

The transition is expected to provide viewers with improved picture and sound quality, better signal coverage and an enhanced television viewing experience. A common digital broadcasting platform is also expected to reduce the need for individual broadcasters to maintain separate broadcasting infrastructure while creating opportunities for expanded coverage and new value-added digital services.

According to the current plans, the DTTB project is presently in the design and development stage, with the first digital television experience for Sri Lankan viewers expected to be introduced in December 2028.

Addressing the programme, Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the project should not be viewed merely as a change in television broadcasting technology. He described it as an important national programme aimed at modernising broadcasting infrastructure, improving efficiency and creating a stronger foundation for Sri Lanka’s wider digital transformation.

The Minister also noted that television broadcasters currently operate through separate analogue transmission networks. Under the DTTB project, a common digital broadcasting platform is expected to be established for both state and private broadcasters.

He further emphasised the importance of establishing a clear, formal and accountable mechanism for operating and maintaining the common platform. He said the government expects the platform to operate with transparency, fairness and accountability, without discrimination against any broadcaster.

The Minister also highlighted the potential for more efficient use of the frequencies currently allocated for television broadcasting, creating additional opportunities for the expansion of telecommunications infrastructure.

Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Engineer Eranga Weeraratne, Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Akio Isomata, JICA Project Chief Representative Shigeo Honzu, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy Waruna Sri Dhanapala, and DTTB Project Director Engineer Prasanga Rajapaksha also addressed the event.

Science and Technology Minister Professor Krishantha Abeysena, Deputy Minister of Mass Media Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne, media institution owners and heads, government officials and other stakeholders were also present.

The official DTTB project information confirms that the initiative is supported by JICA and is intended to transition Sri Lanka from analogue terrestrial television broadcasting to digital broadcasting.