Your reference to ownership and the effectiveness of Kothmale to operate as an independent ‘community radio’ station are well regarded. KCR strives to make the most of the situation under which it operates and it has clearly been an innovator in terms of finding effective ways to bring relevant information to its rural audience. The etuktuk is perhaps the most recent instance of this. We make no allusions to the fact that there are many challenges to working within the frameworks imposed by SLBC.

Clearly there is a need for regulatory reform in Sri Lanka. Community Radio that is truly owned by the people will continue to be elusive until an active and committed grassroots movement with participation from the community, civil society organisations and other stakeholders is formed to lobby and demonstrate the need for such reform.

The etuktuk project is owned, managed and operated by the Kothmale Internet Listeners Club (KILC), it is an independent, community based organisation. I hope that the etuktuk project can contribute by spreading awareness about the benefits of local/community radio to both the community and policy makers.

We should take our lead from the success other countries in the region have had in regulatory reform, most recently India, where we expect the first Community Radio licenses to be granted before the end of 2007 (albeit with restrictions on broadcasting news).

Ben.