Beyond Radio Ceylon

Beyond Radio Ceylon

The Telefunken Lessons

Denzil Jayasinghe
·

The government-controlled Radio Ceylon crackled as the sun peeked over the horizon. Its mandatory programming stirred the suburbs from slumber, beginning with Buddhist teachings, swiftly followed by Catholic prayers.

“Why do we have to listen to both?” young Denzil asked his father, Thomas, rubbing sleep from his eyes.

Thomas smiled softly. “Because, in our country, we respect all faiths.”

As the religious broadcasts ended, Thomas fiddled with the shortwave channels on the Telefunken radio. “Let’s see what’s happening in the world,” he muttered.

The north Indian accent of All India Radio’s broadcaster filled the room: “Reports confirm harsh treatment of youth captured during the recent uprising…” A crackled hiss emanated from the radio.

“Why does this sound different from what we hear on Radio Ceylon, Father?” Denzil asked while his little brother just listened.

Thomas sighed. “Sometimes, son, our local stations don’t tell us everything.”

Over the next few days, Thomas explored other international broadcasts. The BBC World Service cut through the static, its crisp British accent contrasting with the local English channels.

“It’s like listening to another world,” Denzil remarked, fascinated.

On another morning, they tuned into Radio Caritas from Manila, followed by a return to All India Radio. The broadcaster’s voice turned grave: “The situation in East Pakistan worsens as reports of violence continue to pour in…”

Thomas noticed the worried looks on his children’s faces. Thomas explained. The situation there is complex. East Pakistan feels neglected by West Pakistan and is demanding fair treatment. Unfortunately, this has led to conflict and violence.”

He paused, then added carefully, “It’s not unlike the tensions we’ve experienced in our own country recently. Remember the youth uprising a few months ago? There were reports of violence on both sides. It’s important to understand these events, but also to remember that there’s good in the world too.”

As he tuned back to Radio Ceylon, the familiar Sinhala filled their home again. The sound of patriotic songs drifted in from neighbouring houses, extolling their nation’s virtues.

“You hear that?” Thomas said, gesturing to the window. “That’s how our local media often presents things. But it’s good to know about the bigger world out there too, to get a fuller picture.”

Denzil nodded, his young mind trying to reconcile the comforting sounds of home with the troubling news from afar. “I think I understand, Father. It’s like our radio — many stations, AM and ShortWave, but one box, our Telefunken.”

Thomas smiled, ruffling his hair. “That’s right, son. That’s exactly right.”

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