Why did Harendra leave Swarnavahini?

(Srilankamirror) - Head of the Swarnavahini news unit, Harendra Jayalal had decided to resign from his post due to the pressure exerted on him by the channel’s chief and the careless conduct of its CEO, ‘Srilankamirror’ learns.

Calling a confidential meeting on Jan. 14, the channel’s chief had reportedly told Harendra that news items broadcast in the channel should only contain news items of his choice and not according to the choice of Jeewaka Edirisinghe - who is the official responsible for the unit.

Harendra, who has refused to sideline Mr. Jeewaka and dance to the tunes of the channel head, has opted to resign instead, internal sources of Swarnavahini say.

Sources also say that the CEO has even failed to provide stationary to the Swarnavahini news unit. In order to keep the wheels of the news broadcasts turning, employees were compelled to bring stationary such as A4 sheets at their personal expense.

This crisis had also backed Harendra’s decision, sources add.

Harendra is one of the leading newsreaders in the channel and several programmes including special poya day programmes presented by him have provided a major boost for the channel's TV ratings, reports say.

Meanwhile, we also learn that six more program directors in  Swarnavahini too, have decided to resign.

Since the current Swarnavahini chief took up his post, 23 staff members including popular personalities such as Udara Wijesinghe, Lahiru Mudalige and Asha Liyanage have resigned.

At the present, Lahiru contributes only as a freelancer.

Those who are leaving Swarnavahini are being recruited by the ABC Network for their TV channel which is to be unveiled soon, reports say.