The licensing system for singing songs at wedding and private events is abolished.

The Association of Creators and Publishers of Sri Lanka (ACPOSL) has taken steps to revise the implementation limitations of the new licensing system recently introduced for the commercial use of musical works, following discussions with industry representatives. Although this licensing system was introduced with the aim of ensuring that music creators, lyricists, and publishers receive their due royalties, there is still a controversial situation among various parties in the industry regarding the method of charging the prescribed fees.

ACPOSL President Mr. Nilar N. Cassim stated that considering the practical issues and observations raised during discussions with the Sri Lanka Event Managers Association and the Lanka Disk Jockey (DJ) Association, it has been decided to temporarily suspend the issuance of licenses for DJ artists, wedding functions, and private events. However, obtaining this license remains mandatory for music concerts and corporate-level events.

This system, introduced to protect the rights of creators, has received the support of many in the music industry. Mr. Piyal Perera, leader of the Gypsies music band, stated that lyricists and music creators should receive more economic benefits. He further added that about 90% of lyricists currently face economic difficulties, making a formal system to provide them with their due benefits essential, and that as a band, they make payments to their lyricists.

Commenting on this, music creator Mr. Navaratne Gamage stated that this system should be implemented to ensure musicians receive proper value for their creations. He pointed out that in the past, musicians contributed through cassette tapes, ringtone services, and various media networks, but did not receive adequate value for it. He emphasized that this system should operate in a way that provides fair and equal benefits to all singers, musicians, and lyricists.

However, the Sri Lanka Singers Association (SLASA) has expressed its concern regarding the existing fee structure and its implementation. SLASA questions the legal basis for ACPOSL to impose such fees, how these fees were determined, and how the collected money is distributed among creators. While acknowledging the need to protect the intellectual property rights of lyricists and musicians, SLASA states that this licensing system should not impose an unfair financial burden on the public, musicians, and event organizers.

Mr. Chandumal Fernando, leader of the C Plus music band, stated that while this is a good step, it should be adapted to suit the current situation in Sri Lanka. He requested that the proposed fees be reconsidered so that they do not become an additional burden on anyone. He also mentioned that such disputes arise due to a lack of awareness in the industry, and that all parties, including singers, musicians, lyricists, music bands, and event managers, should be informed, and money collection and distribution should be done transparently.

Commenting on this, ACPOSL President Mr. Nilar N. Cassim clarified that since payments are made by event organizers, this licensing system does not directly affect music bands or musicians. He also stated that ACPOSL is ready to discuss aspects of the system that need to be changed with industry representatives. He mentioned that this licensing system is being implemented as part of an action plan developed with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) with the aim of obtaining membership in the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), and that collecting royalties from commercial music use is one step in this process.