| Type | Broadcaster |
|---|---|
| Country | Sri Lanka |
| Area | Sri Lanka - National |
| Owner | The Capital Maharaja Organization Ltd, Gregson Holdings Ltd |
| Former names | MTV |
| Picture format | PAL, Analogue |
| Official website | http://www.sirasatv.lk/ |
Sirasa TV is an analogue terrestrial television network in Sri Lanka. It is the sister channel of 'Channel 1 MTV' which was established in 1992. Sirasa TV was founded in 1998 to similar itself to their Radio network Sirasa FM. Sirasa TV is owned by the Sri Lankan business conglomerate The Capital Maharaja Organization Ltd together with Gregson Holdings Ltd. Since then, another multi-national company - International Media Management - has also invested in MTV. It broadcasts its programs in Sinhala.
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Sirasa was once raided by minister Mervyn Silva.[1][2][3][4]
Fifteen masked gunmen stormed the studio and transmission complex, and destroyed the main control room of the group on 6 January 2009.[5][6] Investigations revealed that a Claymore mine was used for the attack.[7] Critics and observers linked the attack to the controversial reporting that was adopted in relation to the capture of Kilinochchi by Government Forces.[8] Opposition political parties and associated media organisations accused the government of being responsible for the attack.</ref>
On January 8, 2009 Lasantha Wickrematunge was assassinated.
On 22 March 2010, a group of protesters held a march at the head office of the MTV/Sirasa media network in central Colombo against American rap singer Akon's show, scheduled to be held in Colombo, which The Capital Maharaja Organization Ltd played a main role organizing. Protesters stoned the building causing minor damage.[9] Also the government banned Akon from coming to Sri Lanka by refusing to grant him a visa, stating that one of his music videos disrespects Buddhism by showing semi-naked women dancing over a statue of Lord Buddha and also highlighting his allegations of child abuse. Finally, the show was cancelled and the government was accused (By Sirasa) of being responsible for provoking the protests.