Business
DAN TV celebrates 21 years of unique Tamil infotainment
DAN TV recently marked 21 years in the field, having begun its journey as “DAN Tamil Oli” in France in 2000, then moving to India in 2005 and, finally, to Sri Lanka in 2008, where it is currently headquartered.
DAN TV, which is an acronym for Dish Asia Network Television, has witnessed its popularity grow day-by-day due to its uniqueness, with its programming deeply rooted in Tamil culture. Since 2008, DAN TV has directly contributed to Sri Lanka’s new Tamil language programming renaissance, especially at a time when the community’s art and culture was in decline. This is due to the fact that DAN TV’s locally produced content, which is viewable island-wide, including DAN Tamil Oli, Yarl TV, DAN Music, DAN Comedy, DAN News, Kalvi TV, Ohm TV, Holy Mary TV and Pirai TV, is produced and transmitted via DAN TV’s 14 Sri Lanka-based studios, with seven being in Jaffna, three in Colombo, two in Batticaloa, and one each in Trincomalee and Hatton. Additionally, DAN TV’s programming, online and via its mobile app, is also very popular among the Tamil diaspora around the world, particularly North America, the Middle East, Europe and Australia.
According to DAN TV Founder and Chairman S.S. Kuhanathan; “After 21 years, I stand proud in touching the heart of every Tamilian through the popularity of DAN TV. I first started ‘TRT Tamil Oli’ in 1997 in Paris, the capital of France, which was the first non-French speaking television channel to launch in France. In fact, it was only when ‘Le Figaro’, one of the France’s leading daily newspapers, praised this achievement that I came to know of it.”
Kuhanathan continued; “However, at the start of the new millennium, when my TRT TV was deceitfully snatched from me by the LTTE, I had to begin anew. Nevertheless, I was determined to face all the obstacles, and I founded DAN TV. Another milestone was achieved in Jaffna in 2009, when DAN TV became the first privately owned television company to be set up in my hometown. From the depths of my heart, I offer my gratitude to all who stood by me in this journey and, especially, those who are still with me to this day.”
Today, DAN TV enjoys significant success with its respective audiences in the fields of entertainment, education, spirituality, having grown tremendously as a result of its excellent staff of highly committed cable TV professionals and experts, as well as the support of some of Sri Lanka’s top corporates. Going beyond its island-wide reach, DAN TV’s popularity also stems from its programming, which has helped along a resurgence in creativity and arts within the Sri Lankan Tamil community. This programming includes a wide variety of entirely original infotainment choices, from short film competitions and awards programs highlighting unsung heroes who have achieved for their community, to athletics programs showcasing sports like cricket and football, and even great musical performances such as DAN 31st Night, which is a very popular New Year’s Eve celebration in Jaffna.
DAN TV Group Consultant and Chief Marcom Strategist Chalaka Gajabahu commented, “I would like to thank our long-time, loyal advertisers, as well as the corporates having supported DAN TV in our journey to become a leader in the North and the East, where we offer exceptionally unique, and culturally rich, entertainment and education choices for Tamil speaking communities.
The total outstanding market liquidity surplus or excess funds available in Sri Lanka’s banking system for lending and transactions declined by Rs. 36.65 billion in a week, according to the Central Bank’s latest economic indicators report.
An economic researcher analysing the data noted: “Treasury bill and bond auctions likely drained liquidity. If this tightening persists, short-term interest rates could rise, raising borrowing costs and potentially slowing economic growth. The situation warrants close monitoring, especially as the manufacturing sector is already facing a slowdown whether due to seasonal or structural factors.”
The report also highlighted the following developments in Sri Lanka’s economy:
Fiscal improvements: The deficit has narrowed but remains elevated.
Sectoral trends: The stock market rallied, and the services sector showed slower expansion (tourism, retail and IT driving resilience).
Total expenditure and net lending increased to Rs. 1,301.9 bn during the three months ending March 2025 compared to Rs. 1,197.5 bn in the corresponding period of 2024.
During the three months ending March 2025, the overall budget deficit decreased to Rs. 234.5 bn compared to Rs. 281.3 bn recorded in the corresponding period of 2024
The rupee value of T-Bills and T-Bonds held by foreign investors decreased by 2 per cent in comparison to the previous week.
“The April 2025 industrial slowdown points to weaker output, likely due to seasonal factors such as holidays or subdued demand. However, this was partially offset by an expansion in the Services PMI, offering some relief. The broader economic outlook for Sri Lanka remains uncertain, as these mixed signals unfold as Sri Lanka would receive a tariff letter from the US in the coming weeks. With market liquidity already tightening due to government borrowings from the banking system, policymakers face mounting challenges in balancing growth and stability,” the economic researcher noted.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
AIA Sri Lanka’s ‘Pawfect Match’ campaign, in partnership with animal welfare groups, inspired 500+ adoptions of stray pets. The initiative highlighted adoption, responsible ownership, and compassion, tackling Sri Lanka’s stray animal crisis. AIA thanks all supporters for their life-changing impact.
The campaign served as a reminder that even small acts of kindness like adopting a stray can make a big impact. It also provided an opportunity for the public to learn more about responsible pet ownership, animal rights, and the importance of compassion toward all creatures.
Calton Sweet House Pvt. Ltd., a key part of Calton Group, was honored as the Best National Industry Brand in the Medium-Scale Food and Beverage Sector at the National Industry Brand Excellence Awards 2024, organized by the Industrial Development Board. Deshamanya Mahesh De Silva, Director of Finance and IT at Calton Group, accepted the award.
Established in 1991, Calton Sweet House has over 30 years of excellence, specializing in cakes, snacks, and frozen bakery items, with 20+ outlets across Negombo, Katunayake, and Colombo, including at Bandaranaike International Airport. The company holds ISO, HACCP, and GMP certifications, ensuring top-quality standards.
Starting as a small store in 1983, Calton Group now employs 300+ staff and operates multiple businesses, including Calton Hyper Market and Calton Catering, while partnering with global brands like Unilever and Upfield. The group remains committed to serving customers with high-quality, safely packaged food products.
Showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara, Puttalam, Nuwara-Eliya and Kandy districts
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