The meeting took place between Sri Lanka’s Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, and the Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Akio Isomata. Discussions focused on expediting the implementation of the DTTB project, which was originally expected to begin in 2014 but has faced nearly a decade of delays due to various challenges.
The project, supported through cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Japan International Cooperation Agency), aims to modernize Sri Lanka’s television broadcasting infrastructure. It will introduce advanced digital transmission facilities, modern transmitters, and antenna systems for key broadcasters, including the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation.
The digital migration will be based on Japan’s ISDB-T broadcasting standard, enabling higher-quality television services, multilingual broadcasting, and an emergency warning system to improve public safety communication.
Authorities also discussed key measures to ensure a smooth transition from analogue to digital broadcasting. These include providing subsidized set-top boxes (STBs) for low-income households, conducting nationwide public awareness campaigns, and announcing a clear migration timeline in advance.
The Digital Economy Ministry (Ministry of Digital Economy Sri Lanka) is currently developing a national implementation framework for the transition, while JICA has agreed to continue providing technical guidance and support.
Officials noted that the renewed coordination between Sri Lanka and Japan is expected to help fast-track the long-delayed project and strengthen the country’s digital broadcasting infrastructure.
