• Lahiru Mudalige on his journey to Hari TV

Twenty-five years ago, Lahiru Mudalige, a young TV presenter fresh off his A/Levels, formally graced Lankan screens for the first time (he had previously appeared on TV as a child artist, but this was when he made the formal decision to work in media). 

Twenty years later, Lahiru left mainstream TV with a vision – to create a digital channel that could tackle issues and topics mainstream TV struggled with. This led to the formation of Hari TV – an edutainment channel that in the last five years has grown to become a formidable competitor to mainstream TV with over 2.5 million followers and subscribers across all social media platforms. 

Lahiru’s career has been defined by the genuine connections he has forged, the communities he has helped uplift, and the positive narratives he continues to weave into Sri Lanka’s media fabric. He remains committed to using digital media to create lasting impact and drive meaningful change. 

As Lahiru marks five years of Hari TV and 25 years in media, The Sunday Morning Brunch sat down with him for a chat on his journey from TV presenter to digital media pioneer and for a glimpse of what comes next. 

A young presenter with big dreams

Lahiru’s passion for media began at an early age, starting in his school years, first in Kandy and then in his teens in Colombo. As a child, he was drawn to the world of television and radio. 

“I entered the media career as a child artist,” he recalled. By his teenage years, Lahiru was already a familiar face and voice in Sri Lankan households. He continued to hone his skills, engaging in debate competitions and school media circles. 

This period laid the foundation for his future in the media, culminating in his involvement with a major television network, where he worked for 15 years. His shows, such as ‘Handa Radi Peya’ and ‘Coffee with Lahiru and Muditha,’ became household names. 

In 2015, Lahiru left the network, having achieved considerable success in traditional media. He shifted his focus to the digital and telecommunications sectors, gaining experience in the fast-evolving world of digital communication. 

However, the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks prompted Lahiru on a new path to build something meaningful – a platform that could go beyond conventional news reporting and explore deeper societal issues. 

“The Easter Sunday bomb attacks were what led me to start Hari TV. The mission of Hari TV was doing good journalism, focusing on public interest content. We covered taboo topics, like cyberbullying, harassment, and LGBTQIA+ issues, all of which were not popular issues to discuss at that time,” Lahiru said of the beginnings of Hari TV.  

Lahiru’s emphasis on taboo and sensitive topics set Hari TV apart. He saw digital platforms as a space with fewer constraints, where he could explore subjects that mainstream television often avoided. 

Launching a digital channel presented a new set of challenges. “The biggest challenge was capital,” Lahiru reflected, noting that especially since Hari TV was looking to be in the same space as mainstream TV news, capital was essential. “When we started, we needed camera units, human resources – essential elements for a strong digital channel.” 

Despite these obstacles, Lahiru remained undeterred, recognising the advantages digital media had over traditional formats. “On digital platforms, I have a lot more freedom to talk about what I want to discuss with the public,” he said. “This is why I decided to focus on taboo topics and try new things.” This decision marked a turning point, allowing Hari TV to carve out a unique identity in Sri Lanka’s media landscape.

Another challenge has been the evolving nature of technology and the need for constant adaptation. Covering events like elections required significant investments in technology and expertise. 

Reflecting on Hari TV’s election coverage, he said: “We did well – we covered the elections on par with mainstream media, working 24-48-hour shifts to provide real-time updates. It was a proud moment because it showed that a digital channel like ours could stand alongside established networks. We even did a roadshow where we sent out presenters to rural areas to do one-on-ones and discuss voter literacy. It was a multi-sector collaboration and one of the first collaborations of that kind.” 

Hari TV’s groundbreaking work has seen Lahiru be a speaker at multiple conferences and festivals, including the Indonesia ‘Local Media Summit’ in 2023 and the Philippines ‘Maki+Fiesta Media Festival’ this year.

The trust and credibility that Hari TV has built over the years is perhaps what Lahiru considers his greatest achievement. Prominent political figures, including past and present presidents, have appeared on Hari TV, trusting Lahiru to conduct fair and insightful interviews. 

He recalled: “Many respected political, public, and civil personalities have come on camera and shared their stories about themselves that they were sharing for the first time with us. It’s a sign that they trust our platform and the content we produce.”

Tackling digital media vs. traditional media 

Lahiru’s move from traditional television to a digital-only channel was not just about medium change – it was a philosophical shift. He emphasises the creative freedom that digital media offers, which contrasts sharply with the constraints of traditional broadcasting. 

“In mainstream channels, there’s always an agenda,” he pointed out. “But online, I have more freedom to express and explore, which allows us to cover public interest content in innovative ways.”

This freedom has been crucial for Hari TV’s success. The channel’s ability to experiment with different formats, engage directly with viewers, and tackle socially relevant topics has earned it a dedicated following. 

“We know what kind of things the community needs and digital platforms give us extra mileage,” he said. Hari TV has grown from a YouTube channel to a full-fledged digital network with a presence on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram, as well as a dedicated news website.

Today, Hari TV has grown to become a respected brand in Sri Lankan media, with a diverse portfolio that includes news coverage, public interest content, and innovative projects. 

One of the channel’s recent successes was its coverage of Sri Lankan elections. Hari TV was among the first digital channels to receive official approval from the Election Commission to release election results. “We became the first Sri Lankan digital network to cover elections at the same level as mainstream media,” Lahiru said proudly.

Hari TV’s innovative approach has also led to successful partnerships with international organisations, such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and International Monetary Fund (IMF). These collaborations have enabled the channel to expand its reach and impact. 

“Working with the development sector was a turning point,” Lahiru noted, highlighting the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in advancing Hari TV’s mission.

The importance of lifelong learning

Lahiru’s journey through mainstream media, through digital media, and through life has been marked by a commitment to lifelong learning in all spheres of his life. At 41, he recently completed an MBA from the University of Suffolk, a decision he made not for traditional career advancement but to refine his business strategies. 

“Most people pursue an MBA for a job promotion or to start a business, but I had already built some very successful business models as an entrepreneur,” he said. “For me, it was about growing my business further. Education isn’t just for traditional goals – it’s a game-changer for your vision, your business, and your future. It really helped me refine my strategies and expand my ventures in ways I hadn’t imagined.

“Most people expect to find real success in their lives after their late 40s or even 50s. By that age, they aren’t usually thinking about education. But for me, I saw education as a way to push my limits and achieve more. I just want to share this as a positive message: it’s never too late to learn.”

This philosophy of lifelong learning is also the core message that Lahiru wants to share with aspiring media professionals. “Study the digital sector, understand what’s happening regionally, and create content with your original thoughts,” he advised. His words reflect his belief that authenticity and knowledge are the cornerstones of success in the media industry.

Looking to the future

As Hari TV moves forward, Lahiru continues to innovate. He is set to publish his first book, ‘Stand by with Lahiru,’ which will compile some of the most impactful interviews from his programme of the same name. 

The book, which will be available in both Sinhala and English, marks another first for Lahiru, and also potentially for Sri Lanka; a digital programme transitioning into a literary format – something which, to his knowledge, has never happened before in Sri Lanka.

In addition to this, Lahiru plans to explore new areas of content creation. “Hari TV has over 2.5 million followers and subscribers on all social media platforms. It is now one of Sri Lanka’s leading digital platforms to focus on public interest content. For 2025, our focus is to create more content based on climate change,” Lahiru noted. 

He added that other Hari TV plans for 2025 included starting a sports sector, as well as branching out into teledramas with a public interest focus, offering an alternative to traditional television dramas that often cater to entertainment alone.

Lahiru’s journey is a story of transformation – from a young TV presenter captivated by the power of media to a digital pioneer committed to making a difference. His work with Hari TV has not only changed how Sri Lankans consume news and entertainment but has also demonstrated the potential of digital platforms to inspire positive social change. 

In a rapidly evolving media landscape, his journey stands as a reminder that embracing change, learning continuously, and staying true to one’s values can lead to extraordinary impact.