Overview

• Arthanayake officially left the BBC this month after 23 years on air to pursue a new career challenge.
• He is set to make his stand-up comedy debut on July 26 at the Battersea Arts Centre as part of the Sri Lankan Culture Collective Festival.
• The presenter gave up his £145,000-a-year BBC salary, describing broadcasting as no longer challenging him.
• He has repeatedly criticized BBC leadership for a lack of staff diversity, particularly at BBC North, and questioned the impartiality of its Israel-Gaza coverage.
• A BBC spokesperson apologized for staff concerns and pledged to continue improving inclusivity across its workforce.