tag:vernoncorea.blog.co.uk,2009-11-21:/The blog in memory of Vernon Corea, the pioneering broadcaster of Radio Ceylon/Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation and the British Broadcasting Corporation.MokoFeed2009-11-21T12:14:33+01:00tag:vernoncorea.blog.co.uk,2009-11-14:/2009/11/14/tribute-to-dr-uthum-herat-1957-7371045/asiaradio2009-11-14T10:45:53+01:002009-11-14T10:45:53+01:00 <p>A tribute to Dr. Uthum Herat published in the Daily News in Sri Lanka:</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/271/4107271_8d1ee90438_m.jpeg" alt="Dr.UthumHerat"></p> <p>Tribute<br> Dr. Uthum Herat (1957-2009)</p> <p>It is with deep sadness that I heard of the passing away of my dear friend Dr. Uthum Herat on Friday, October 23, 2009.</p> <p>I write to honour my friend. I first met Uthum in the early 1960s when he joined S.Thomas’ Preparatory School in Kollupitiya. We then moved to the ‘big’ school S.Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia in 1968. Uthum was a serious, studious young man.</p> <p>He excelled in his academic studies. At one stage I sat behind the same desk with Uthum Herat and Suresh Thambipillai, at S.Thomas’ College. Our friend Suresh was fascinated by the Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy. Uthum and I used to tease Suresh no end.</p> <p>He did have a sense of humour. He loved to play a friendly game of cricket at lunchtimes and on a serious note he was a member of the celebrated Thomian debating society, chess club and other Thomian Societies.</p> <p>It was in the 1970s, that a charismatic former Rugby player and Old Royalist called Rev. Duleep de Chickera joined College as Chaplain. He was instrumental in bringing us into that area of belief, faith and spirituality as we turned to Christ. Uthum joined the Student Christian Movement and in later years he became a Lay Preacher in his church, - he certainly was a man of faith.</p> <p>Before I left for the UK, Uthum and I participated in a celebration called ‘Breakdown and Breakthrough’ with Ronald Toussaint, Asitha Perera, Yohan Dias-Abeysinghe, Suresh Thambipillai, Johann de Silva, together with students from S.Thomas’ College, Royal College, Ladies College and Bishop’s College.</p> <p>The dramatised act of worship for Easter at the Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour was directed by a British Religious Education worker, Gillian Todd. The newspapers featured Uthum and all of us in an article titled - ‘Easter Detente with the Now People,’ it was also featured in the Daily News and the Sunday Observer in 1974. Hundreds of people attended this act of worship.</p> <p>Uthum was the cross on which Christ was crucified and we all shouted out: ‘Christ has smashed death, he has liberated the world, he has freed the Universe. You and I and everything are free again, let’s have a festival and follow him across the skies, through the flames of heaven!’</p> <p>We kept in touch over the years and his last e-mail to me was only a few weeks ago when I wished him for his birthday. I last met Uthum in 2003 on a visit to Sri Lanka - we reminisced about College days.</p> <p>Uthum, always the caring friend, was concerned that our son Charin was diagnosed with autism and wanted to know more about our Autism Awarness Campaign.</p> <p>Uthum was a loyal son of Sri Lanka - with 27 years of public service at the Central Bank. Before being appointed as the Deputy Governor at the Central Bank, Uthum served in the Statistics Department, Economic Research Department and as an Assistant Governor in charge of Bank Supervision, Supervision of Non-Bank Financial Institution Department, Financial Stability Departments and several operational departments. He has worked in areas of financial systems and price stability of the Central Bank.</p> <p>Uthum was on release to IMF to serve as the Alternate Executive Director for Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Sri Lanka in IMF from 2004 to 2007. He held a degree in Science from the University of Sri Jayawardenepura with a first class honours. He obtained his MSc and PhD degrees from University of Purdue, USA, where he specialized in Finance and International Finance.</p> <p>He was also an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, UK and had authored many articles in reputed international and local journals in the areas of monetary policy, foreign exchange market, financial sector reforms, money laundering, Central Bank independence, economic growth, exchange rate, financial market deployment, unemployment and savings and investments.</p> <p>Uthum was a visiting lecturer and resource person at Colombo and Moratuwa Universities, SEACEN Research and Training Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka.</p> <p>Uthum served as member of Monetary Policy Committee, Financial System Stability and Foreign Exchange Management Committee of the Central Bank. He was the Central Bank nominee to serve as the co-chair of the Financial Services Sub Committee for negotiations with India on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. He played a pivotal role at the Central Bank.</p> <p>I will never forget childhood memories of Uthum attending my birthday parties at Maha Nuge Gardens. I will miss my friend - a kind hearted, caring gentleman with impeccable manners.</p> <p>I have never heard Uthum saying a bad word against anyone. He was a gentle soul who was quiet and unassuming but he was also a deep thinker with a heart of gold.</p> <p>May he rest in peace, in the arms of Christ.</p> <p>- Ivan Corea </p> <p><a href="http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/11/10/fea31.asp">http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/11/10/fea31.asp</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://vernoncorea.blog.co.uk/2009/11/14/tribute-to-dr-uthum-herat-1957-7371045/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:vernoncorea.blog.co.uk,2009-11-14:/2009/11/14/in-memory-of-dr-uthum-herat-1957-7371025/asiaradio2009-11-14T10:40:33+01:002009-11-14T10:40:33+01:00 <p>Vernon Corea met Uthum Herat many times when he visited the family home in Maha Nuge Gardens in Colombo-3 in the 1960s and 1970s.</p> <p><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/254/4107254_8d1ee90438_m.jpeg" alt="Dr.UthumHerat"></p> <p>In Appreciation of Dr. Uthum Herat</p> <p>Dr. Uthum Herat, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka passed away on the 23/10/2009 at the age of 52 years. His death cut-off a brilliant career in the Central Bank that had commenced 27 years ago and reached its zenith when he was appointed Deputy Governor in 2009.</p> <p>A product of St. Thomas’s College Mount Lavinia, Dr. Herat entered the University of Jaffna to read for a degree in Mathematics and Statistics. Due to disruptions that prevailed during the late 70s, students were relocated to the University of Sri Jayawardenapura and Dr. Herat completed the first degree with flying colours obtaining a first class honours degree in Statistics. By this time he had also completed the Final Examination of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and went on to obtain his Associate membership in 1981, Despite the possibility of obtaining lucrative employment in the private sector, Dr. Herat joined the Central Bank of Sri Lanka in 1983. Even at this early stage of his career he stood out, not only for his brilliance and analytical ability, but also for his single minded devotion to duty, his amazing language ability, his oratorical skills in English as well as Sinhala and most of all for his many sterling qualities, of which humility, integrity and generosity were only a few.</p> <p>Throughout his career, Dr Herat was always the first to get to office and often the last person to leave. He would report to work as early as 6 am, when many of us had barely woken up for the day. Once in office, he would work diligently moving out of his seat only to attend meetings and would spend only a few minutes to grab a hasty lunch, before settling down to work again. His extraordinary language ability made him much sought out for editing documents, which although a boring task to many he would undertake willingly and perform it to perfection. In later years, Dr. Herat was unanimously appointed as the chairman of the Toast Masters Club in the Bank.</p> <p>In the days before MS Power Point was available speaking before an audience on a technical subject was a difficult exercise for most of his colleagues. However, Dr. Herat was always able to keep his audience in any forum spell-bound with his oratorical skills probably honed through his experience as a lay preacher in the Methodist Church, of which he was an active member. Yet despite being eminently articulate, he was willing to listen to the view points of others and to forward his own views of matters mildly and modestly, without hurting the feelings of others. He would never force his views on others and was always humble enough to learn from his subordinates the background of any subject in which he was not completely familiar.</p> <p>After a short spell in the Statistics Department, he proceeded for postgraduate studies and obtained his M.Sc and PhD degrees from the University of Purdue, USA where he specialized in Finance and International Finance. He was an outstanding doctoral student at Purdue University. In keeping with his commitment to his country, he focused his research on practical development problems facing Sri Lanka – seeking to understand the economy-wide impacts of large scale foreign aid projects. His work was thorough, and of the highest caliber, without being pretentious.</p> <p>After his return, he served for a further period in the Statistics Department before being posted to the Economic Research Department as a Senior Economist. As Deputy Director of Economic Research in charge of monetary policy, he made a significant contribution to the Bank’s monetary policy formulation and implementation by streamlining the decision making process and introducing new techniques to the conduct of monetary policy. He was the main architect of establishing Central Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee, a sub-committee of the Monetary Board which continuously reviewed the monetary conditions and made appropriate recommendations to the Board for implementation. Since its establishment in early 2002, Dr Herat functioned as the Secretary to the Monetary Policy Committee. He also played a key role in the preparation of the framework for the introduction of active Open Market Operations System by the Bank. In addition, he has continuously assisted his colleagues to raise the standards of economic research in the Bank. In recognition of these outstanding contributions, Dr Herat was awarded an “Outstanding Service Award” in 2002.</p> <p>He quickly rose to be Director, Economic Research, one of the most coveted positions in the Bank. His contributions to Central Bank publications were immense. He prepared a number of policy papers for the guidance of the Monetary Board and policy oriented research papers, some of which were presented at seminars both locally and abroad.</p> <p>He was released to the IMF to function as the Alternate Executive Director of the Executive Board representing India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Bhutan. On his return to the Bank, he was promoted to Assistant Governor in charge of Bank Supervision, Supervision of Non-Bank Financial Institutions, Financial Systems Stability and Finance departments. He worked determinedly to strengthen financial system stability and contributed towards averting a major crisis in the financial system following the collapse of unauthorized entities. He was promoted to Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Financial System Stability Committee in May 2009 and could serve only five short-months before his young life was cut-down in its prime. Dr. Herat was also the Central Bank’s representative on the board of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka and the Insurance Board of Sri Lanka and the Chairman of the Credit Information Bureau and the SAARC Payments Council. </p> <p>Humility was one of his greatest virtues. He sought no special treatment or favors on account of his designation. No task was too menial for him to undertake and as Deputy Governor, he even did his own photocopying!. He was always thoughtful and considerate, going out of his way to help others in need. One of the thoughtful acts he performed very early in his career was to prepare a list of personal items to be taken by those proceeding for post-graduate studies which would help those suffering from home-sickness to assuage their pain. </p> <p> Dr. Herat’s generosity was without bounds, though perhaps not so well known as he always insisted on anonymity when extending financial support. When there was any list to support someone suffering from ill-health or experiencing financial difficulties, Dr. Herat’s contribution was usually ten times those of others. Often when he was abroad, he would request visiting friends from Sri Lanka to carry a cheque back for some worthy cause. He would buy presents for his colleague’s children even if he had not met them at all.</p> <p>Dr. Herat’s loss will be deeply felt in the Central Bank particularly at a time when the financial sector needs to be strengthened to meet greater challenges and to play a catalytic role in the development of a vibrant economy. For his colleagues, friends and family who in the last few days of his life desperately attempted to do all they could to save his life, including religious observances and meritorious activities, the grief will be unbearable. The only consolation is that Dr. Herat contributed more to the Central Bank and his country, touched more lives and helped more people than any of us could do in the biblical time span of two score years and ten. As was said of Sir Thomas More, Dr. Herat was also truly a “Man for all Seasons”.</p> <p>May his soul rest in peace. </p> <p>Central Bank of Sri Lanka.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://vernoncorea.blog.co.uk/2009/11/14/in-memory-of-dr-uthum-herat-1957-7371025/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:vernoncorea.blog.co.uk,2009-08-22:/2009/08/22/annesley-malewana-still-talks-about-radio-ceylon-s-vernon-corea-6794462/asiaradio2009-08-22T14:55:50+02:002009-08-22T14:55:50+02:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/annesleymalewana/3812764" title="AnnesleyMalewana"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/764/3812764_e2265405fc_m.jpeg" alt="AnnesleyMalewana"></a></p> <p>Whenever the Sri Lankan superstar, the iconic Annesley Malewana performs on stage, he never fails to talk about the legendary Radio Ceylon broadcaster, Vernon Corea. For it was Vernon Corea who helped Clarence Wijewardena, Annesley Malewana and the Moonstones reach a wider audience through his radio programmes over the the airwaves of Radio Ceylon in the 1960s when the Moonstones were yearning to reach the top in the world of music and entertainment.</p> <p>The Moonstones who hailed from Ratnapura were first managed by Vernon's cousin, Sri Sangabo Corea. Sangey as he is known asked his cousin to help Clarence Wijewardena, Annesley Malewana and the group. Vernon helped them without hesitation - they visited him frequently in Maha Nuge Gardens and Vernon taught them the workings of public relations and marketing and above all he for the first time introduced their music on the English service, the Commercial Service, of Radio Ceylon. This was an absolute first, for Sinhala popular music to feature on English radio programmes in Sri Lanka. In a sense, Radio Ceylon 'discovered' the Moonstones and helped them on their way to stardom.</p> <p>What's more the Moonstones topped the English charts on Radio Ceylon. They became household names as a result of the exposure on the oldest radio station in South Asia. Vernon also took to the print media to help Clarence and Annesley and wrote the first ever article on the Moonstones in his EMCEE Column in the Ceylon Daily News in the 1960s.</p> <p>The late Clarence Wijewardena composed 'Piyaneni' as a tribute in song to Vernon's father, Reverend Canon Ivan Corea, who has been the vicar of St.Luke's Church Borella and St.Paul's Church in Milagiriya. Cannon Ivan Corea had served the poorest of the poor - the Rodiya Community in Sri Lanka. Clarence's tribute to Reverend Corea was a moving song about a father's love for his children. </p> <p>Not only did Vernon help Annesley when he was in Radio Ceylon, in the 1970s he introduced them to London and a new audience of Londoners when he played the music of the Moonstones and the Super Golden Chimes on his popular BBC Radio London 206 programme, 'London Sounds Eastern,' produced by the legendary Keith Yeomans. Many people in London, in the United Kingdom, sent in requests for songs by Clarence Wijewardena and Annesley Malewana.</p> <p>Whenever Annesley Malewana performs, whether it is in Colombo or in Melbourne he never fails to remember Vernon Corea's acts of kindness - he lifted them up when they were young musicians seeking to reach the top. Whenever Annesley sings 'Piyaneni,' he always thinks about Vernon Corea. Vernon broke down in tears when Clarence and Annesley performed the song to a packed London audience in 1994. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://vernoncorea.blog.co.uk/2009/08/22/annesley-malewana-still-talks-about-radio-ceylon-s-vernon-corea-6794462/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:vernoncorea.blog.co.uk,2009-08-21:/2009/08/21/clarence-wijewardena-composed-piyaneni-for-vernon-s-father-6773403/asiaradio2009-08-21T13:46:54+02:002009-08-22T15:00:23+02:00 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/vernoncoreamahanugegardens/3809275" title="vernoncoreamahanugegardens"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/275/3809275_93601570ba_m.jpeg" alt="vernoncoreamahanugegardens"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/canoncorea3/3809276" title="canoncorea3"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/276/3809276_61b8b3beff_m.jpeg" alt="canoncorea3"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/supergoldenchimes/3809277" title="SUPERGOLDENCHIMES"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/277/3809277_36e85ec8ac_m.jpeg" alt="SUPERGOLDENCHIMES"></a></p> <p>Vernon Corea mentored Sri Lanka's 'King of Pop' the late Clarence Wijewardena who sadly died on December 13th 1996. The early demise of the great Clarence Wijewardena was a loss to the nation as he was a pioneer of Sinhala Pop music.</p> <p>Clarence Wijewardena, Annesley Malewana and the Moonstones hailed from Ratnapura in Sri Lanka. They were managed by Vernon's cousin, advertising man Sri Sangabo Corea. It was Sri Sangabo Corea who approached his cousin Vernon who was working in Radio Ceylon and asked him to help this new group from Ratnapura. Vernon Corea agreed to mentor Clarence Wijewardena, Annesley Malewana and the group - they visited him at his residence in Maha Nuge Gardens in Kollupitiya in the 1960s. It was the beginning of a very close relationship and friendship with Clarence and Annesley.</p> <p>The very first news article on the Moonstones was written by Vernon Corea for his EMCEE Column in the Ceylon Daily News. Vernon who had created history by playing Sinhala music for the first time on the English Services of Radio Ceylon soon promoted the music of the Moonstones - 'Dunhinda Manamali,' 'Mango Nanda,' were huge hits over the airwaves of the Commercial Service of Radio Ceylon.</p> <p>Clarence asked Vernon if he would write the notes for an Lotus LP Sleeve. Vernon said: "We have all shared the treat of your lovely Lyrics, your tuneful compositions, your friendly presentation and your spontaneous sense of sharing with your followers, your treasury of talent. Keep going, keep growing, keep glowing".</p> <p>Clarence and Annesley were frequent visitors to Maha Nuge Gardens when they visited Vernon. It was in Maha Nuge Gardens in Kollupitiya that Clarence and Annesley met Reverend Canon Ivan Corea, Vernon's father, before he died in 1968. Reverend Corea was a gentle human being who had championed the rights of the poor, particularly Sri Lanka's Rodiya Community when he was Vicar of St.Luke's Church, Borella. Clarence composed the heartwarming tribute to a father, 'Piyaneni' in memory of the late Reverend Canon Ivan Corea.</p> <p>The recording took place one morning in 1972 at the recording studio of Augie Ranaweera in Bambalapitiya. Clarence and Annesley were backed by the Super Golden Chimes. The musicians needed someone to provide music from a Yamaha organ - Vernon contacted the famed Helen Lucas who agreed to play. Her Yamaha organ had to be transported from her home via a lorry to Augie Ranaweera's studio. Clarence had used the Bossa nova rhythm for this beautiful tribute to Reverend Corea.</p> <p>'Piyaneni' soon became a huge hit in South Asia for Clarence Wijewardena, during his lifetime. The vocals were provided by Annesley Malewana. 'Piyaneni' has been sung by Annesley Malewana at music concerts all over the world. When he sings it Annesley can never forget the help and support of Vernon Corea when they were young musicians yearning to hit the big time in the world of popular music in Sri Lanka. </p> <p>Annesley recalls: "When we toured England in 1994 to hold musical shows, Vernon Corea who was in England requested me to sing this particular song. When I got on to the stage and started singing Vernon broke down and all of us were moved by this incident. Wherever we go, most people in foreign countries requested me to sing this song. Now I dedicate that song to my late father," he said.</p> <p>'Piyaneni' is a moving tribute to a caring and loving father and it was composed by Clarence Wijewardena in memory of the kind hearted priest Reverend Canon Ivan Corea.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/clarencewijewardena/3809293" title="clarencewijewardena"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/293/3809293_c38a624117_m.jpeg" alt="clarencewijewardena"></a></p> <p>You can listen to 'Piyaneni' on an mp3 here:<br> <a href="http://www.sendspace.com/file/tmi3hv">http://www.sendspace.com/file/tmi3hv</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://vernoncorea.blog.co.uk/2009/08/21/clarence-wijewardena-composed-piyaneni-for-vernon-s-father-6773403/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:vernoncorea.blog.co.uk,2009-03-09:/2009/03/09/cnn-un-world-autism-awareness-day-max-foster-interview-5725770/asiaradio2009-03-09T21:46:27+01:002009-03-09T21:46:27+01:00 <p>Here is CNN's Max Foster interview with Ivan Corea of the Autism Awareness Campaign UK marking the first ever United Nations World Autism Awareness Day on 2nd April 2008:</p> <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/240/3304240_89b64a7e76_m.jpeg" alt="World Autism Awareness Day-CNN" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p><a href="http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/health/2008/04/02/intv.austism.corea.cnn">http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/health/2008/04/02/intv.austism.corea.cnn</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://vernoncorea.blog.co.uk/2009/03/09/cnn-un-world-autism-awareness-day-max-foster-interview-5725770/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:vernoncorea.blog.co.uk,2009-03-09:/2009/03/09/united-nations-world-autism-awareness-day-5725727/asiaradio2009-03-09T21:39:51+01:002009-03-09T21:39:51+01:00 <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/226/3304226_e67e238fe8_m.jpeg" alt="World Autism Awareness Day" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>The UK Autism Foundation has called for action on Poverty and Autism on United Nations World Autism Awareness Day scheduled to be held on 2nd April 2009.</p> <p>World Autism Awareness Day was launched for the first time on 2nd April 2008 by the United Nations General Assembly in New York, on the recommendation of the State of Qatar.</p> <p>The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon issued a message to mark UN World Autism Awareness Day 2008, paid tribute to the courage of children with autism and their families, who strive every day “to confront the disability with a powerful combination of determination, creativity and hope.”</p> <p>In his message marking the Day, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary General, stressed the need to build enabling environments for children with disabilities so they can prosper as future members of their communities, citizens of their countries and as fully-fledged members of the global community.</p> <p>“Let us empower them and respond to their needs today, so as to make our societies more accessible, enabling and empowering for all our children tomorrow,” he stated.</p> <p>The Secretary-General noted that throughout its history, the UN has promoted the rights and well-being of the disabled, including children with developmental disabilities.</p> <p>“It is especially fitting that this inaugural Day falls in 2008 -- the year in which we celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of the United Nations Declaration for Human Rights, and expect to see the entry into force of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, adopted by the General Assembly in 2006,” he added.</p> <p>The UK Autism Foundation is appealing to the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the UN General Assembly to take action on Poverty and Autism. The credit crunch and the the deepening global economic recession has placed huge pressure on families and adults with autism and Asperger's Syndrome. There are many more families below the poverty line. Many have to decide between heating and eating.</p> <p>In the United Kingdom 42 parliamentarians of all parties have signed David Drew MP's early day motion 710 on Autism Sunday, calling for greater financial support for people with autism and Asperger's Syndrome and for an end to re-possessions of homes belonging to families with autism.</p> <p>Ivan Corea said: 'The United Nations Secretary General and the UN General Assembly must address the needs of the poor on United Nations World Autism Awareness Day on 2nd April 2009. The global economic recession has brought enormous pressures onto families and adults with autism and Asperger's Syndrome. Many still suffer without proper public services. Now some have to decide between heating and eating as they face Fuel Poverty. They need help in 2009 to face the economic crisis. We appeal to the United Nations to take real action on WAAD.'</p> <p>The leaders of G20 countries meet in London on UN World Autism Awareness Day. President Barack Obama is also due in London to attend the G20 Conference. It affords an opportunity for G20 leaders to reach out to families with autism below the poverty line on WAAD.The UK Autism Foundation has urged G20 leaders to help the poor. </p> <p>Vernon Corea supported the Autism Awareness Campaign UK. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://vernoncorea.blog.co.uk/2009/03/09/united-nations-world-autism-awareness-day-5725727/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:vernoncorea.blog.co.uk,2009-03-09:/2009/03/09/bail-out-hope-for-autism-carers-bbc-news-feature-5725681/asiaradio2009-03-09T21:33:11+01:002009-03-09T21:33:11+01:00 <p>Proposals intended to improve support for people with autism have been debated in Parliament, with families affected by the disability hoping the plans could eventually transform their lives.</p> <p>To read Stephen Robb's feature on BBC News please see:<br> <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7913873.stm">http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7913873.stm</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://vernoncorea.blog.co.uk/2009/03/09/bail-out-hope-for-autism-carers-bbc-news-feature-5725681/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:vernoncorea.blog.co.uk,2009-03-09:/2009/03/09/radio-stations-play-open-every-door-for-autism-sunday-5725663/asiaradio2009-03-09T21:29:01+01:002009-03-09T21:29:01+01:00 <p>Here is the song for Autism, 'Open Every Door' released as a film on YouTube. The song is sung by the Asian superstar Gresha Schuilling and written by singer/songwriter Nimal Mendis. 'Open Every Door' is released through Media Eye Music in London.</p> <p>The song was written about Vernon Corea's grandson, Charin. Radio stations around the world including many BBC and independent radio stations in the UK played 'Open Every Door' on Autism Sunday 2009 on 8th February.</p> <br> <p> <small> <a href="http://vernoncorea.blog.co.uk/2009/03/09/radio-stations-play-open-every-door-for-autism-sunday-5725663/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:vernoncorea.blog.co.uk,2009-03-09:/2009/03/09/autism-sunday-2009-vernon-corea-s-prayers-for-autism-5725615/asiaradio2009-03-09T21:21:26+01:002009-03-09T21:21:26+01:00 <p><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/110/3304110_a250798ca0_m.jpeg" alt="autismsunday2009" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Autism Sunday 2009 - the International Day of Prayer for Autism and Asperger's Syndrome was observed on 8th February by Cathedrals, Churches and religious organisations all over the world. People remembered over 60 million people with autism around the world in prayer. Autism Sunday was also used to lobby and campaign on the serious issues surrounding autism and Asperger's Syndrome.</p> <p>Vernon Corea wrote prayers for autism in 2002 Autism Awareness Year in the United Kingdom. These prayers were used in many churches around the world. Vernon Corea's grandson has autism - he had a deep and abiding love for his grandson.</p> <p>Vernon Corea (1927 - 2002) was a pioneering broadcaster with Radio Ceylon/SLBC and the BBC. He was the BBC's Ethnic Minorities Advisor in the late 1970s-1980s. His grandson was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in the United Kingdom. Vernon Corea fully supported the Autism Awareness Campaign.</p> <p>He was present at the first ever service for autism at St.Paul's Cathedral in London in 2002 Autism Awareness Year. He was also a Lay Reader at Emmanuel Church in Wimbledon, South West London and at Christ Church Gipsy Hill in South East London. Vernon Corea was a frequent guest on 'Thought For the Day' on BBC Radio 2.</p> <p>He wrote these prayers remembering people with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome all over the world.</p> <p>Autism is on the rise in the United Kingdom and across the world, it is now a serious health and education issue facing our nation.</p> <p>A Prayer for the Autistic Community</p> <p>Gracious Father,<br> Thank you for giving us your Son<br> To teach us and forgive us.<br> He suffered and died for us,<br> And while he was on this earth<br> He healed the sick<br> And touched the lives<br> Of everyone.</p> <p>We now commit the lives<br> Of all autistic people in our nation<br> Into Your loving care.<br> We ask you to lay Your hands on them<br> And give them Your peace.<br> Give them the power of the Holy Spirit<br> To make them whole.<br> In Jesus Name, Amen.</p> <p>From a Child -</p> <p>Jesus,<br> Thank you<br> That you are there for me<br> There are many things I'd like to do better-<br> Like speaking and writing.<br> I ask you to help me.<br> You have already helped me in many ways.<br> Sometimes I see the world in pictures -<br> I like to draw, to watch TV.<br> I like to do many more things,<br> Which I can't do.<br> So please lay your hands on me<br> And bless me.<br> Be with me Lord Jesus<br> At home and in school.</p> <p>Thank you for my parents, my family,<br> My teachers and support workers<br> And all those who are helping me.<br> Thank you Jesus, Amen.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://vernoncorea.blog.co.uk/2009/03/09/autism-sunday-2009-vernon-corea-s-prayers-for-autism-5725615/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:vernoncorea.blog.co.uk,2008-04-27:/2008/04/27/cnn-s-fighting-for-autism-max-foster-rep-4101478/asiaradio2008-04-27T16:15:49+02:002008-04-27T16:15:49+02:00 <p>CNN - the international channel really highlighted autism for several days -it was unique coverage by the news channel to mark the first ever United Nations World Autism Awareness Day, declared by the UN General Assembly and tabled by the State of Qatar, on Wednesday 2nd April 2008. WAAD was fully supported by the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. This event was historic and CNN dedicated so much television time to autism. </p> <p>CNN has now released the 'Fighting for Autism,' Report by the respected CNN anchor Max Foster from London. CNN interviewed Ivan Corea, son of Vernon Corea who has spearheaded the Autism Awareness Campaign.</p> <p>Vernon Corea fully supported the work of the the Autism Awareness Campaign UK. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://vernoncorea.blog.co.uk/2008/04/27/cnn-s-fighting-for-autism-max-foster-rep-4101478/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:vernoncorea.blog.co.uk,2008-03-24:/2008/03/24/open-every-door-released-for-un-world-au-3931512/asiaradio2008-03-24T16:30:51+01:002008-03-24T16:32:37+01:00 <p>The distinguished singer/songwriter Nimal Mendis who wrote the song for autism, 'Open Every Door' will be releasing a new cover version sung by the South Asian musician Gresha Schuilling to mark the United Nations World Autism Awareness Day, declared by the United Nations General Assembly in New York for Wednesday 2nd April 2008.</p> <p>Nimal Mendis was a close friend of the late Vernon Corea who promoted his music over the airwaves of Radio Ceylon in the 1950s. Nimal Mendis wrote the song for autism 'Open Every Door' for Vernon Corea's grandson,Charin.</p> <p>This is the first ever song for autism written by a South Asian singer/songwriter. The song is being released through Media Eye Music in London.</p> <p>For further information please see:<br> <a href="http://www.mediaeyeproductions.com">http://www.mediaeyeproductions.com</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://vernoncorea.blog.co.uk/2008/03/24/open-every-door-released-for-un-world-au-3931512/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:vernoncorea.blog.co.uk,2007-11-25:/2007/11/25/ambassador_for_autism_gresha_schuilling_~3350350/asiaradio2007-11-25T17:29:35+01:002007-11-25T17:33:38+01:00 <p><a href="http://www.mediaeyeproductions.com/gresha.html" title="Gresha Schuilling"><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/236/2170236_fa2d257944_m.jpeg" alt="Gresha Schuilling" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Sri Lanka's 'Ambassador for Autism,' Gresha Schuilling has released her first single in the United Kingdom - it is a Christmas single titled: 'Cold Cold Night' released by MediaEye Music in London.</p> <p>'Cold Cold Night' was written by the distinguished Sri Lanka born singer/songwriter Nimal Mendis and his son Paul Marie Mendis who live in the UK. Nimal Mendis was a close friend of Vernon Corea. Vernon has played his music not only on Radio Ceylon/Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation but also on BBC Radio London's 'London Sounds Eastern.'</p> <p>To download Gresha Schuilling's 'Cold Cold Night' Christmas single for only 49 pence please access the website:<br> <a href="http://www.mediaeyeproductions.com/gresha.html"><br> <a href="http://www.mediaeyeproductions.com/gresha.html">http://www.mediaeyeproductions.com/gresha.html</a></a></p> <p>To read the World Music Central article on Gresha Schuilling: <a href="http://worldmusiccentral.org/article.php/20071117184314243">http://worldmusiccentral.org/article.php/20071117184314243</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://vernoncorea.blog.co.uk/2007/11/25/ambassador_for_autism_gresha_schuilling_~3350350/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:vernoncorea.blog.co.uk,2007-10-02:/2007/10/02/watch_the_3_minute_film_autism_action_on~3072816/asiaradio2007-10-02T13:52:09+02:002007-10-02T13:52:09+02:00 <p>Watch the 3 minute film on Autism Action on You Tube. The film, directed by Ian McLeod has been released by the Autism Awareness Campaign.</p> <p>Vernon Corea fully supported the Autism Awareness Campaign UK.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://vernoncorea.blog.co.uk/2007/10/02/watch_the_3_minute_film_autism_action_on~3072816/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:vernoncorea.blog.co.uk,2007-09-21:/2007/09/21/watch_the_autism_action_film_on_you_tube~3017659/asiaradio2007-09-21T14:20:30+02:002007-09-21T14:20:30+02:00 <p>Watch the Autism Action film by British film director Ian McLeod on You Tube featuring the call of the Autism Awareness Campaign. The appeal is aimed at Prime Minister Gordon Brown - the Autism Awareness Campaign is calling on the Prime Minister to do more for all people with autism and Asperger's Syndrome in the UK.</p> <p>The soundtrack of the film includes the beautiful and moving Nimal Mendis song for autism, 'Open Every Door' sung by British musician Rozagy who has Asperger's Syndrome.</p> <p>Vernon Corea fully supported the Autism Awareness Campaign UK.</p> <p><strong>AUTISM ACTION ON YOU TUBE</strong></p> <u></u> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://vernoncorea.blog.co.uk/2007/09/21/watch_the_autism_action_film_on_you_tube~3017659/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:vernoncorea.blog.co.uk,2007-06-23:/2007/06/23/download_nimal_mendis_song_for_autism_op~2506149/asiaradio2007-06-23T17:31:32+02:002007-06-23T17:31:32+02:00 <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/033/1720033_bf270bc104_m.jpeg" alt="songforautism" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>The Asian superstar, the distinguished Sri Lankan singer songwriter Nimal Mendis who was a friend of Vernon Corea released a song for autism titled 'Open Every Door' in May 2007.</p> <p>Nimal Mendis was inspired by the Autism Awareness Campaign UK. Vernon's grandson, Charin is featured on the front cover of the song for autism CD.</p> <p>Nimal Mendis has deicated his song for autism to Autism Speaks UK. He hopes the song will raise awareness of the condition - 587,900 people in the UK have autism, 39,000 in Sri Lanka are on the autism spectrum and also raise funds for autism research in order to help all people with autism.</p> <p>To download the Nimal Mendis song for autism, 'Open Every Door' please access the webpage:<br> <a href="http://www.mediaeyeproductions.com/downloads.html">http://www.mediaeyeproductions.com/downloads.html</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://vernoncorea.blog.co.uk/2007/06/23/download_nimal_mendis_song_for_autism_op~2506149/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:vernoncorea.blog.co.uk,2007-06-23:/2007/06/23/a_meeting_with_prime_minister_tony_blair~2506093/asiaradio2007-06-23T17:19:38+02:002007-06-23T17:19:38+02:00 <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/998/1719998_333bedd257_m.jpeg" alt="tonyblairautismreport.jpg." vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Prime Minister Tony Blair met with Vernon's son Ivan Corea of the Autism Awareness Campaign UK and Lee Scott MP for Ilford North on Wednesday 25th April in the House of Commons in the Palace of Westminster.</p> <p>Autism campaigner Ivan Corea presented the Prime Minister with the Autism Report detailing concerns and recommendations. The Autism Awareness Campaign UK is calling for a national strategy on autism and a 10 year plan of action in order to help parents, carers and all people with autism and Asperger's Syndrome.</p> <p>Please read the following news reports on the meeting with the Prime Minister on Autism:</p> <p><a href="http://www.huliq.com/20018/uk-prime-minister-tony-blair-meets-autism-campaigners">http://www.huliq.com/20018/uk-prime-minister-tony-blair-meets-autism-campaigners</a><br> <a href="http://www.number-10.gov.uk/output/page11529.asp">http://www.number-10.gov.uk/output/page11529.asp</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://vernoncorea.blog.co.uk/2007/06/23/a_meeting_with_prime_minister_tony_blair~2506093/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:vernoncorea.blog.co.uk,2007-03-30:/2007/03/30/autism_theuk_parliamentary_debate_on_aut~2004636/asiaradio2007-03-30T18:20:07+02:002007-03-30T18:38:49+02:00 <p><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/988/1287988_0b18e232f0_m.jpeg" alt="leescottmp2" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Suddenly parliamentarians in the Palace of Westminster are talking about autism. This is due to the tremendous efforts by influential parliamentarian Lee Scott MP for Ilford North.</p> <p>Lee Scott in his historic debate on autism in Westminster Hall in London mentioned Vernon Corea's grandson, Charin who is 11 years old and has ASD.The debate, supported by MPs was held on 7th March 2007. </p> <p>Vernon Corea fully supported the Autism Awareness Campaign before he died in 2002. He spoke to so many broadcasters at the BBC about autism - he was a senior manager at the BBC and was the Corporation's Ethnic Minorities Advisor.</p> <p>Vernon Corea attended the parliamentary debates on autism in 2002 Autism Awareness Year and he was present at the historic service for autism held at St.Paul's Cathedral in London. There were hundreds of families with autistic children, adults with autism, parents and carers, dignitaries and celebrities at the first ever service for autism at St.Paul's Cathedral.</p> <p>To read Lee Scott MP's major debate on autism in Hansard please click on the link below:<br> <strong><br> <a href="http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmhansrd/cm070307/halltext/70307h0009.htm">http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmhansrd/cm070307/halltext/70307h0009.htm</a></p> <p></strong> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://vernoncorea.blog.co.uk/2007/03/30/autism_theuk_parliamentary_debate_on_aut~2004636/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:vernoncorea.blog.co.uk,2007-02-23:/2007/02/23/cliff_richard_rocks_sri_lanka~1790746/asiaradio2007-02-23T12:26:14+01:002007-02-25T19:08:57+01:00 <p><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/945/1192945_f6f0145ebc_m.jpeg" alt="cliffrichard" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/946/1192946_7723cf7baa_m.jpeg" alt="cliff" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Cliff Richard rocked Sri Lanka when he toured Colombo for the first time on his 'Here and Now Tour' on 23rd February 2007. The concert was a sell out. Cliff Richard is currently enjoying the beaches of Sri Lanka - he leaves Sri Lanka for the Maldives on Monday 26th February.</p> <p>He released his first British rock and roll single 'Move It' in 1958. Vernon Corea was an announcer with Radio Ceylon and he helped make 'Move It' a hit across South Asia when he featured Cliff Richard on his radio programs. People in India bought transistor radios to listen to Radio Ceylon. The station not only played Hindi film music they also played western popular music to their Asian audiences. Radio was King in the Indian sub-continent in the 1950s and 1960s. </p> <p>Radio Ceylon ruled the airwaves in South Asia and it played hit after hit by Cliff Richard on the All Asia beam - thousands of listeners from the Indian sub-continent wrote into Radio Ceylon requesting Cliff Richard songs.</p> <p>The Hindu Newspaper quoted the celebrated 1970s Jazz Queen of India, Asha Puthli: </p> <p>‘Asha Puthli was born and raised in Bombay. With a strong grounding in Indian classical music, she stepped forward to European opera. She learnt about Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole from “Voice of America” and about Dusty Springfield and Cliff Richard from Radio Ceylon……’ </p> <p>Even though Vernon Corea became the BBC's Ethnic Minorities Adviser in the 1970s, he never met Cliff Richard. He and other Radio Ceylon broadcasters were instrumental in introducting Cliff Richard to millions in South Asia from 1958 onwards. </p> <p>Vernon Corea died in New Malden, Surrey in September 2002.</p> <p><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/833/1194833_7964d85056_m.jpeg" alt="duetscliffrichard" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Read the LANKA EVERYTHING News Report on Sir Cliff Richard rocking Sri Lanka:</p> <p><a href="http://www.lankaeverything.com/vinews/entertainment/20070222182626.php">http://www.lankaeverything.com/vinews/entertainment/20070222182626.php</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://vernoncorea.blog.co.uk/2007/02/23/cliff_richard_rocks_sri_lanka~1790746/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:vernoncorea.blog.co.uk,2007-02-21:/2007/02/21/listen_to_the_sri_lanka_broadcasting_cor~1782655/asiaradio2007-02-21T22:58:21+01:002007-02-21T22:58:21+01:00 <p>Listen via LIVE STREAMING to Vernon Corea's beloved Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation:</p> <p><a href="http://www.slbc.lk/">http://www.slbc.lk/</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.slbc.lk/" title="slbclogo"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/433/1189433_c61e2ed137_m.jpeg" alt="slbclogo" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://vernoncorea.blog.co.uk/2007/02/21/listen_to_the_sri_lanka_broadcasting_cor~1782655/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:vernoncorea.blog.co.uk,2007-02-21:/2007/02/21/slbc_celebrates_40_years_as_a_corporatio~1782626/asiaradio2007-02-21T22:54:28+01:002007-02-21T22:54:28+01:00 <p>By Ivan Corea</p> <p><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/407/1189407_0eed033a11_m.jpeg" alt="slbctakeitorleaveit" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>SLBC: The Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation reached yet another historic milestone, the station recently celebrated 40 years in broadcasting on January 5, 2007.</p> <p>On that day the then Prime Minister of Ceylon, Dudley Senanayake, the Minister of Broadcasting Ranasingha Premadasa and one of Sri Lanka’s finest civil servants, SLBC Director General, Neville Jayaweera lit the oil lamp on January 5, 1967 at the auspicious time of 7.18 a.m. - the Kandyan drums heralded the re-branding of Radio Ceylon, the oldest radio station in South Asia.</p> <p>The Prime Minister Dudley Senanayake unveiled the plaque which can be seen to this day in the foyer of the radio station.</p> <p>Broadcasting on an experimental basis was started in Ceylon by the Telegraph Department in 1923, just three years after the inauguration of broadcasting in Europe. Gramophone music was broadcast from a tiny room in the Central Telegraph Office with the aid of a small transmitter built by the Telegraph Department engineers from the radio equipment of a captured German submarine.</p> <p>The results proved successful and barely three years later, on December 16, 1925, a regular broadcasting service came to be instituted.</p> <p>On December 16, 1925 the then British Governor Sir Hugh Clifford inaugurated the broadcasting service - It was first known as Colombo Radio. The name was changed to Radio Ceylon and the radio station shifted to Torrington Square on October 5, 1949.</p> <p>Radio Ceylon broadcaster Gnanam Rathinam in her book ‘The Green Light’ (Memories of Broadcasting in Sri Lanka) notes: ‘In 1943 the Broadcasting Station premises was sited in a bungalow named The Bower, in Cotta Road, Borella (in the city of Colombo). In early days the programmes in all languages were scheduled and produced by announcers who covered airtime as well.</p> <p>The Colombo radio station at ‘The Bower’ ceased broadcasts by midnight on December 31, 1949 and Radio Ceylon came into being on January 1, 1950. On January 5, 1967, it became a state corporation - the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation.</p> <p>The Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation produced some of the finest broadcasters in the world, among them - Livy Wijemanne, Vernon Corea, Pearl Ondaatje, Greg Roskowski, Tim Horshington, Claude Selveratnam, Jimmy Bharucha, Thevis Guruge, A.W. Dharmapala, Karunaratne Abeysekera, H.M. Gunasekera, S.P. Mylvaganam, Gnanam Rathinam, Nihal Bhareti, Eric Fernando, Leon Belleth and Vijaya Corea to name a few.</p> <p>I grew up in a world of broadcasting. My father, Vernon Corea joined Radio Ceylon in 1956 as a relief announcer during the Clifford Dodd era of the Commercial Service. Clifford Dodd, an Australian administrator was seconded to Radio Ceylon via the Colombo Plan. Working with Livy Wijemanne they transformed the Commercial Service making it a lucrative arm of the radio station.</p> <p>The Hindi Announcers - Gopal Sharma, Vijay Kishore Dubey, Shiv Kumar Saroj, Manohar Mahajan, Sunil Dutt (who went on to become a massive Bollywood icon), Hamid Sayani, Amin Sayani, Vijaylaksmi de Saram played a pivotal role - millions across the Indian sub-continent tuned into Radio Ceylon and subsequently the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation - making the SLBC ‘King of the Airwaves’ in South Asia. The SLBC was unbeatable.</p> <p>I remember so well as a child growing up in Sri Lanka, visiting the SLBC, entering the grand foyer - you hear the hum of the generators, the massive reception desk was your first port of call. There is only one SLBC receptionist I remember and she is Ranjini Wickremasinghe who had a ‘broadcasting romance’ and married my uncle, Vijaya Corea who went on to become the Director-General of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation.</p> <p>The studios harked back to the golden days of Radio Ceylon - and they are preserved to this day - it was a privilege to join forces with Nihal Bahreti and Clifford Basanayake and record a whole series of radio programs for the SLBC when I last visited Sri Lanka in 2003.</p> <p>I interviewed Cliff Richard at the Greenbelt Festival in the UK - the first ever interview with Cliff for the SLBC which was broadcast in 1981 on a special program. Cliff told me that he would love to visit Sri Lanka - his wish will soon be a reality - when Cliff visits Sri Lanka- for a concert in Colombo in February, I believe.</p> <p>Cliff told me that he only visited the airport in 1972 and he was given a wonderful cup of Ceylon tea - he sent his best wishes to all his fans in Sri Lanka through that interview broadcast on the SLBC.</p> <p>The SLBC has featured some of the finest talents of the nation - Pandit Amaradeva, H.R. Jothipala, Nanda Malini, Premasiri Khemadasa, Nimal Mendis, Bill Forbes, (who starred with Cliff Richard in ‘Oh Boy’ the television show in London) Cliff Foenander (who went on to sing in Las Vegas), Des Kelly, Mignonne Fernando and the Jetliners, Clarence Wijewardene, Annesley Malewana, A.E. Manoharan, Desmond de Silva, C.T. Fernando and a whole host of artistes became household names through the airwaves of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation.</p> <p>I have always maintained that the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation is a national treasure of Sri Lanka - I was delighted to hear that a museum, a linguistic library, a disaster communications unit and a magazine launch commemorated this epoch making day. Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, the Minister of Mass Media and Information appreciated the successful achievements of the SLBC for the last 40 years.</p> <p>Minister Yapa pointed out the importance of maintaining a ‘Linguistic Laboratory’ and requested the authorities to let the public to get access to it, which he believed could serve in its best capacity of the purpose of maintaining such a unit.</p> <p>Sri Lanka can be proud that she is up with the great broadcasting nations of the USA, UK and Germany - it was Edward Harper, a British engineer, who, together with Ceylonese radio enthusiasts carried out the first radio experiments when her arrived in Ceylon in 1921 as Chief Engineer of the Telegraph Office in Colombo. Sri Lanka celebrated 80 years in broadcasting in 2005.</p> <p>The Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation needs to lead the way in digital broadcasting and I am convinced that with the right financial support, the SLBC will be a shining beacon in the world of broadcasting - in the years to come. They will still be talking about the SLBC in another hundred years.</p> <p><a href="http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/01/09/">http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/01/09/</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://vernoncorea.blog.co.uk/2007/02/21/slbc_celebrates_40_years_as_a_corporatio~1782626/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:vernoncorea.blog.co.uk,2007-02-21:/2007/02/21/title~1782557/asiaradio2007-02-21T22:45:03+01:002007-02-21T22:49:16+01:00 <p>by Ivan Corea</p> <p>The Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation celebrates 80 years in 2005 - a historic landmark in the world of broadcasting. To this day the SLBC is the oldest and finest radio station in South Asia.</p> <p><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/392/1189392_5520f8039a_m.jpeg" alt="RadioCeylon80years" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Broadcasting on an experimental basis was started in Ceylon by the Telegraph Department in 1923, just three years after the inauguration of broadcasting in Europe. Gramophone music was broadcast from a tiny room in the Central Telegraph Office with the aid of a small transmitter built by the Telegraph Department engineers from the radio equipment of a captured German submarine.</p> <p>The results proved successful and barely three years later, on December 16, 1925, a regular broadcasting service came to be instituted. Edward Harper who came to Ceylon as Chief Engineer of the Telegraph Office in 1921, was the first person to actively promote broadcasting in Ceylon. He launched the first experimental broadcast as well as founding the Ceylon Wireless Club together with British and Ceylonese radio enthusiasts. Edward Harper has been dubbed the ' Father of Broadcasting in Ceylon.'</p> <p>The Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation in Colombo, to this day, is one of the finest radio stations in the world. It also happens to be the oldest radio station in South Asia. Vernon Corea was one of the pioneers of this radio station and he was deeply proud to be part of the history of Radio Ceylon. He loved the Station.</p> <p>Radio was King in South Asia in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s and Radio Ceylon really did rule the airwaves - the station was like no other - it led the field in South Asia.</p> <p>People in the Indian sub-continent tuned into Radio Ceylon. The station was known as a 'market leader' in the field of entertainment. People wrote to Radio Ceylon from all over the world.</p> <p>On December 16, 1925 the then British Governor Sir Hugh Clifford inaugurated the broadcasting service - It was first known as Colombo Radio. The name was changed to Radio Ceylon and the radio the station shifted to Torrington Square on October 5, 1949.</p> <p>Radio Ceylon broadcaster Gnanam Rathinam in her book ' The Green Light' ( Memories of Broadcasting in Sri Lanka) notes: ' In 1943 the Broadcasting Station premises was sited in a bungalow named The Bower, in Cotta Road, Borella (in the city of Colombo). In early days the programmes in all languages were scheduled and produced by announcers who covered airtime as well.</p> <p>The Colombo radio station at 'The Bower' ceased broadcasts by midnight on 31st December 1949 and Radio Ceylon came into being on 1st January 1950. On January 5, 1967, it became a state corporation - the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation. Commercial broadcasting from Radio Ceylon was inaugurated on September 30, 1950 and Clifford Dodd was seconded for service via the Colombo Plan. Dodd was charismatic and innovative and there was a real 'buzz' in Radio Ceylon after his arrival.</p> <p>South Asian leaders and ministers of the British Commonwealth, including India's Jawaharlal Nehru, Ceylon's J.R.Jayawardene and Ghulam Mohammed, decided that Asia needed something like the Marshall Plan that had just helped rebuild Europe after the ravages of war.</p> <p>The Colombo Plan, which resulted from these deliberations, was the first multilateral effort in foreign aid in Asia. The key donor countries were Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Britain and the United States, and the organisation included Asian members of the Commonwealth like India, Ceylon and Pakistan.</p> <p>Australia sent Clifford.R.Dodd to Radio Ceylon under the 'Plan' and it was a 'ground breaking' experience, as far as broadcasting in Ceylon was concerned. Radio Ceylon grew in popularity and stature. The 'Playback & Fast Forward Magazine in India noted: ' For millions in this country, Radio Ceylon was not just a broadcasting station. It had a form and a personality.</p> <p>It was a companion who added a meaning to their lives, filled their vacant hours and has now left them with a host of memories of the melodious times which is hard to forget......' According to Panos ' Soon after conquering Mount Everest half a century ago, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay turned on their transistor radio - and the first thing they heard was an overseas broadcast of Radio Ceylon, from more than 3,000 kilometres away.</p> <p>They joined millions of people across the Indian subcontinent who regularly tuned in to these broadcasts.</p> <p>A pioneer in broadcasting in Asia, Radio Ceylon for decades informed and entertained an overseas audience many times the population of Ceylon, now Sri Lanka....' I have such fond childhood memories of Radio Ceylon - my late father Vernon Corea joined the station in 1956 as a relief announcer. His appoint was recommended by the late great Livy Wijemanne and endorsed by Clifford Dodd.</p> <p>As a child I was in awe as soon as I entered the foyer - you heard the hum, the buzz, the multitude of people - all coming in to meet the radio personalities, place their advertisements, participate in radio programs.</p> <p>I remember as a member of the S.Thomas' Prep School Choir being involved in a broadcast. I remember meeting the great Duke Ellington to who visited Radio Ceylon and played in the studio.</p> <p>My childhood was surrounded by some of the greatest broadcasters in the world - 957 by the Director of the Commercial Service, Clifford R.Dodd. Vernon had the joined the 'greats' - Livy Wijemanne, Pearl Ondaatje, Tim Horshington, Greg Roskowski, Jimmy Bharucha,Claude Selveratnam, Mil Sansoni, Eardley Peiris,Shirley Perera, Bob Harvie, Chris Greet, Prosper Fernando, Ameen Sayani (of Binaca Geet Mala fame), S.P.Mylvaganam (the first Tamil Announcer on the Commercial Service), Thevis Guruge H.M.Gunasekera, Nihal Bhareti, Leon Belleth, Vijaya Corea, to name a few.</p> <p>They blazed a trail in broadcasting in South Asia. My father also worked with the legendary Karunaratne Abeysekera, they were very close friends.</p> <p>My father presented radio programmes such as: Two for the Money, Kiddies Korner, Old Folks at Home, To Each His Own, Ponds Hit Parade, Saturday Stars, Take it or Leave It, Maliban Bandwagon (Maliban Show), Roving Mike, Dial-a-disc, Holiday Choice, Sunday Choice and many more.</p> <p>These were the glory days of Radio Ceylon. I hope that President Mahinda Rajapakse will invest in the future of the SLBC. This radio station is a national treasure. </p> <p><a href="http://www.dailynews.lk/2005/12/27/fea02.htm">http://www.dailynews.lk/2005/12/27/fea02.htm</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://vernoncorea.blog.co.uk/2007/02/21/title~1782557/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:vernoncorea.blog.co.uk,2007-02-21:/2007/02/21/sri_lanka_broadcasting_corporation_slbc_~1782528/asiaradio2007-02-21T22:39:39+01:002007-02-21T22:39:39+01:00 <p><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/388/1189388_0c56d6a59c_m.jpeg" alt="SLBC2" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>This is the present front of the Sri Lanka Broasdcasting Corporation in Colombo </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://vernoncorea.blog.co.uk/2007/02/21/sri_lanka_broadcasting_corporation_slbc_~1782528/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:vernoncorea.blog.co.uk,2007-02-21:/2007/02/21/radio_ceylon~1782491/asiaradio2007-02-21T22:33:05+01:002007-02-21T22:36:44+01:00 <p><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/382/1189382_ea68acb004_m.jpeg" alt="SLBC1" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/383/1189383_b0c98232ca_m.jpeg" alt="SLBCfront" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>The original building of the oldest radio station in South Asia, Radio Ceylon can still be seen to this day. Vernon Corea had his office within this building - first as Business Manager of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation and then as Director News of the SLBC. He left the Corporation in 1975.</p> <p>These are the original plans for the building in Torrington Square in Colombo for Radio Ceylon:</p> <p><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/378/1189378_4bf2cc3c26_m.jpeg" alt="radioceylonplans" vspace="5" hspace="5"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://vernoncorea.blog.co.uk/2007/02/21/radio_ceylon~1782491/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:vernoncorea.blog.co.uk,2007-02-18:/2007/02/18/vernon_corea_the_lay_reader~1762267/asiaradio2007-02-18T17:51:45+01:002007-02-18T17:51:45+01:00 <p>Vernon Corea never went in for ordination although he followed a course at Bishop's College, Calcutta in the 1950s.</p> <p>He was appointed a Lay Reader in the Church of England in the 1970s - first with Christ Church Gipsy Hill and then with Emmanuel Church in Wimbledon Village.</p> <p>You can listen to one of Vernon Corea's sermons at Emmanuel Church by following this link:</p> <p><a href="http://clown.ithil.org/~bill/19930801AM.mp3"></p> <p><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/289/1180289_18c91e3749_m.jpeg" alt="vernoncoreaphotos 006" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/290/1180290_82b2ea5832_m.jpeg" alt="vernoncoreaphotos 007" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://vernoncorea.blog.co.uk/2007/02/18/vernon_corea_the_lay_reader~1762267/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:vernoncorea.blog.co.uk,2007-02-18:/2007/02/18/vernon_corea_the_ideas_man~1762222/asiaradio2007-02-18T17:44:52+01:002007-02-18T17:44:52+01:00 <p>Vernon Corea brought with him a sense of humour and he was a broadcaster full of innovative ideas.</p> <p>Here is a photograph of Vernon Corea at the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation in Colombo leading a brainstorming session and provoking much laughter in the boardroom of the SLBC.</p> <p><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/263/1180263_eb510293b7_m.jpeg" alt="vernonslbc" vspace="5" hspace="5"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://vernoncorea.blog.co.uk/2007/02/18/vernon_corea_the_ideas_man~1762222/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:vernoncorea.blog.co.uk,2007-02-18:/2007/02/18/vernon_and_vijaya_corea~1762173/asiaradio2007-02-18T17:37:29+01:002007-02-18T17:41:02+01:00 <p>The two broadcasters from the wider Corea Family to make it to the very top of the media world were Vernon Corea and his cousin Dr.Vijaya Corea</p> <p>Vernon launched Vijaya Corea's career in broadcasting by putting him in the deep end by teling him to present Radio Ceylon's 'Kiddies Korner' program when presenter Craig Thompson (Uncle Craig) fell sick.</p> <p>Vijaya Corea also entered the world of broadcasting and ended up as Director-General of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation in the 1980s.He celebrated 40 years in broadcasting in 2005. Vijaya Corea also went on to become a very popular announcer on Radio Ceylon and the SLBC. </p> <p>It was Vijaya who took Vernon's Memorial Service at St.Luke's Church, Borella in 2002.</p> <p>The photograph shows Vernon with Vijaya Corea and family in Colombo, Sri Lanka in the 1980s:</p> <p><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/225/1180225_b9bfd5b279_m.jpeg" alt="vijayacorea" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/226/1180226_ca2a21b755_m.jpeg" alt="vjiayacorea" vspace="5" hspace="5"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://vernoncorea.blog.co.uk/2007/02/18/vernon_and_vijaya_corea~1762173/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:vernoncorea.blog.co.uk,2007-02-18:/2007/02/18/vernon_corea_trained_broadcasters_from_s~1762124/asiaradio2007-02-18T17:29:09+01:002007-02-18T17:30:13+01:00 <p>Throughout the 1970s and 1980s Vernon Corea trained broadcasters from South Asia. He held training seminars/conferences in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and the Maldives.</p> <p><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/192/1180192_0261564c7c_m.jpeg" alt="vernoncoreavoiceofmaldives" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/193/1180193_d1d1ccff6b_m.jpeg" alt="vernoncorearadionepal" vspace="5" hspace="5"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://vernoncorea.blog.co.uk/2007/02/18/vernon_corea_trained_broadcasters_from_s~1762124/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:vernoncorea.blog.co.uk,2007-02-18:/2007/02/18/vernon_corea_met_with_heads_of_state~1762079/asiaradio2007-02-18T17:22:38+01:002007-02-18T17:23:12+01:00 <p>While he was the BBC's Ethnic Minorities Adviser and presenter of BBC Radio London's 'London Sounds Eastern, Vernon Corea met with South Asian Heads of State and also with HRH Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales.</p> <p><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/159/1180159_6bac22984e_m.jpeg" alt="jrandvernon" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/160/1180160_5a1cebfed9_m.jpeg" alt="premadasa" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/161/1180161_4ae6daced6_m.jpeg" alt="charles" vspace="5" hspace="5"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://vernoncorea.blog.co.uk/2007/02/18/vernon_corea_met_with_heads_of_state~1762079/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:vernoncorea.blog.co.uk,2007-02-18:/2007/02/18/british_newspaper_articles_on_vernon_cor~1762020/asiaradio2007-02-18T17:12:47+01:002007-02-18T17:12:47+01:00 <p>Vernon's appointment to the BBC was heralded by the 'Thunderer' The London Times, the Daily Telegraph, the Financial Times in London and other newspapers around the world.</p> <p><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/151/1180151_1c164f080a_m.jpeg" alt="vernoncoreaphotos 023" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/152/1180152_5b8fd827d7_m.jpeg" alt="vernoncoreaphotos 004" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/153/1180153_12deb7f6df_m.jpeg" alt="radiotimes 001" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://vernoncorea.blog.co.uk/2007/02/18/british_newspaper_articles_on_vernon_cor~1762020/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:vernoncorea.blog.co.uk,2007-02-18:/2007/02/18/vernon_corea_s_prayers_for_autism~1761988/asiaradio2007-02-18T17:06:44+01:002007-02-18T17:06:44+01:00 <p><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/115/1180115_436574ac95_m.jpeg" alt="vernoncoreaphotos 028" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/116/1180116_bc2080ba12_s.jpeg" alt="autismawareness" vspace="5" hspace="5"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/117/1180117_b2e29c3331_m.jpeg" alt="thirdworldimpact" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p>Vernon Corea wrote prayers for Autism to mark Autism Sunday on 6th January 2002.</p> <p>These prayers are now being used by churches of all denominations around the world during Autism Awareness Week. Churches remember all people with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome.</p> <p> Autism Sunday was an idea shared by Vernon's son and daught-in-law, Ivan and Charika Corea - they initiated 2002 as Autism Awareness Year and launched the Autism Awareness Campaign. Vernon was a passionate supporter of the campaign in the UK because of his grandson, Charin, who has autism spectrum disorder.</p> <p>Vernon wrote to key people, he lobbied others in his efforts to support the Autism Awareness Campaign. He wrote these prayers for Autism Sunday - services were held across the UK by churches of all denominations and Christians remembered the 520,000 autistic community in prayer, they prayed for breakthroughs for people with autism.</p> <p>What is Autism?</p> <p>Autism/pervasive developmental disorder refers to a whole group of disorders characterised by delays in the development of multiple basic functions including socialisation and communication.</p> <p>Symptoms of PDD include severe communication problems such as understanding language; difficulty to relating to people, objects and events, unusual play with toys and other objects; difficulty with changes in routine or familiar surroundings and repetitive body movements or patterns.</p> <p>Autism, the experts suggest, is a brain disorder characterised by impaired social interaction and communication skills and limited activities and interests is the most characteristic and best studied PDD.</p> <p>Other types of PDD are Asperger's syndrome, Rett's Syndrome,childhood disintegrative disorders and others.</p> <p>Autism is a neuro- developmental disorder - all of us have neurones in our brains to process thought,they need to fire in the correct order - in the brains of an autistic child or adult they don't fire at all or they just misfire.</p> <p>That is why you cannot give an autistic child complex commands.Everything has to be kept well and truly simple.</p> <p>As in other parts of the world, including the United Kingdom, parents, carers and autists are struggling to access public services in health, education, specialist speech therapy and respite care.</p> <p>They say there are 38,000 autistic people in the land of Vernon's birth - the island of Sri Lanka.Thousands of autistic children are kept at home without any access to education. There are issues of culture and autism is also confused with mental illness. Medical and education professionals need training in autism. There are children who remain undiagnosed. There is a lack of awareness of autism in the provincial towns and villages.</p> <p>Vernon attended the historic debate on Autism to mark 2002 as Autism Awareness Year in the House of Commons in Westminster Hall in the Palace of Westminister in London. The Autism debate was initiated by the distinguished parliamentarian Linda Perham MP. She spoke with passion about the lives of autistic people, the hardships, the lack of public services and she spoke in the House of Commons about Charin, Vernon's grandson - when Vernon heard this he was moved to tears. </p> <p>After this historic House of Commons debate, Vernon met with Linda Perham MP and the representatives of most of the key organisations who had anything to do with autism in the UK, outside parliament. He told Linda Perham how grateful he was that she had launched the most successful debate on Autism in parliament - it was supported by parliamentarians of all parties.</p> <p>Vernon also attended the first ever Service for Autism held at St.Paul's Cathedral in London on 10th February 2002. Over 600 people attended this historic service including autistic children and adults. It was a very moving service and Vernon felt very a much a part of it. </p> <p>These prayers, written by Vernon Corea, were used by churches of all denominations, across the United Kingdom on Autism Sunday.</p> <p>Prayers for Autism</p> <p>(These prayers are now being used by churches of all denominations around the world - during Autism Awareness Week)</p> <p>A Prayer for the Autistic Community</p> <p>Gracious Father,<br> Thank you for giving us your Son<br> To teach us and forgive us.<br> He suffered and died for us,<br> And while he was on this earth<br> He healed the sick<br> And touched the lives<br> Of everyone.</p> <p>We now commit the lives<br> Of all autistic people in our nation<br> Into Your loving care.<br> We ask you to lay Your hands on them<br> And give them Your peace.<br> Give them the power of the Holy Spirit<br> To make them whole.</p> <p>In Jesus Name, Amen.</p> <p>From a Child -</p> <p>Jesus,<br> Thank you<br> That you are there for me<br> There are many things I'd like to do better-<br> Like speaking and writing.<br> I ask you to help me.</p> <p>You have already helped me in many ways.<br> Sometimes I see the world in pictures -<br> I like to draw, to watch TV.<br> I like to do many more things,<br> Which I can't do.<br> So please lay your hands on me<br> And bless me.<br> Be with me Lord Jesus<br> At home and in school.<br> Thank you for my parents, my family,<br> My teachers and support workers<br> And all those who are helping me.</p> <p>Thank you Jesus, Amen. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://vernoncorea.blog.co.uk/2007/02/18/vernon_corea_s_prayers_for_autism~1761988/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>