Dear Colleagues,

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I am writing here to express my sincere interest in pursuing a Ph.D. in my actual research, focusing on the materiality of shellac records and their intrinsic links with colonialism and place. My ongoing research, sparked by a transformative visit to the SLBC Radio Archives in Colombo, Sri Lanka, in December 2022, forms the basis for my proposed doctoral exploration. During my visit to the SLBC Radio Archives, I had the unique opportunity to immerse myself in a diverse collection of archival materials, encompassing early radio zinc disks, shellac 78" gramophone records, vinyl records, and reels. This experience deepened my understanding of the historical and cultural dimensions of radio broadcasting in Sri Lanka, tracing its roots back to 1923, a mere three years after Britain's groundbreaking first live public radio broadcast. Motivated by the rich history unveiled during this visit, my proposed research aims to critically examine the materiality of shellac records and their connections to colonial narratives, contributing to the broader discourse on media and cultural history.

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