Ian Barrow

INTERVIEW WITH: Ian Barrow, professor of history at Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vt. He did a project entitled Research in Sri Lanka: British Colonial Surveying in Sri Lanka, 1796-1850.

Q: What is your overall view on the media environment in Sri Lanka?
A: A diverse range of media, in several languages (including English, Sinhala and Tamil). On the whole, I've been impressed. Almost comparable to India, much better than Bangladesh.

Q: What is the impact (the level and on which individuals) of each media form -- including television, radio, magazines, telephones, and the Internet?
A: It seems to me that all are important; perhaps magazines less so. Newspapers are especially important. For the LTTE the Internet is crucial.

Q: What influences do these media have on the culture of Sri Lanka?
A: Very great.

Q: Which form in the most prevalent and why?
A: Newspapers and radio -- distribution and ease of access. In the cities, the Internet is becoming more important, but it is still largely an upper-class distraction.

Q: Which companies own the media and therefore control the dominant knowledge monopolies?
A: I don't know the answer to this question, although some papers, I know, are mouthpieces of the government.

Q: Are there any identifiable political and/or economic biases in the media?
A: Yes, as I say, some papers are pro-government, and of course TamilNet is pro-LTTE.

Q: Is there freedom of the press in Sri Lanka? Does it work?
A: Yes, and it does work -- the range of papers is a good indication. I'm less familiar with television coverage.

Q: Does this country buy its media content from outside sources? From whom? Why?
A: I think most papers buy stock international reports from groups such as the AP and AFP. Cheaper.

Q: What are some of the dominant (often considered stereotypical) ways that Sri Lanka presents itself to the world?
A: Sri Lanka often presents itself as either a seaside resort destination or a tea plantation/safari holiday excursion. Less emphasis on the historical roots of the island.

Q: What is the overarching sensibility the country appears to portray to the world?
A: People are concerned about the outcome of the war/peace process. I think it is much better known in Europe than in the U.S.

Q: How do you think Sri Lanka compares to other countries in their media technology and its influence on culture?
A: I think it is comparable to India and, less so, to Bangladesh.

Q: How do you think the current media technology and prevalence compares with more historical/traditional forms?
A: I think that in the next 10 years the Internet and use of mobile phones will explode in the country.

Q: What do you think is the future of Sri Lanka's media? What hurdles and/or barriers do you think the country has to overcome to meet its goals?
A: The war is the major hurdle.

Click on one of the other names to hear his or her thoughts about Sri Lanka's media and culture.

Angelo Fernando covers media issues in his writing for Sri Lanka. He has spent many years living and working in Sri Lanka. He was referred to me through Marilyn Cormier, from the President's Office at St. Michael's College, in Colchester, Vt.
Marilyn Cormier grew up in Sri Lanka and moved to the United States when she was young. She now works as the director of Community Relations in the Office of the President at St. Michael's College in Colchester, Vt.
Rukman De Silva, a graduate student from Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH.