Closure of BBC Sinhala Radio Service

Early day motion 1201, tabled 26 November 2020 by Grahame Morris (Labour). Signed by 18 members.

That this House notes with concern the decision of BBC World Service to close the Sinhala radio broadcast service, which serves the Sinhalese majority in Sri Lanka who constitute around three-quarters of the population; notes that Sri Lanka has experienced much unrest in the last several decades, and is currently the subject of warnings from human rights organisations regarding the deteriorating situation, resulting in its inclusion in the FCO's top 30 Human RIghts Priority Countries; further notes the potential security implications posed by the country’s developing relationship with the People’s Republic of China; understands the long term strategy of investing in building digital audiences, but observes that currently 7% of the SInhalese population listen to the radio service each week, compared to just 0.6% who use digital services; and therefore calls on BBC management to reverse the closure announcement and continue to invest in this valuable news service.

Signatures by party: Labour 11, Scottish National Party 2, DUP 1, Independent 1, Labour/Co-operative 1, Liberal Democrat 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.