(COLOMBO, LANKAPUVATH) –The Easter Sunday terrorist attacks also affected Sri Lanka’s music groups as they have lost opportunities to perform and hold concerts due to the security situation of the country following the attacks.
A group of representatives of the music groups met Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera to discuss issues of concern for the music industry with the intention of receiving some relief from the government to alleviate their hardships.
Representatives from 15 popular music groups in the island along with Minister of Housing, Construction & Cultural Affairs Sajith Premadasa participated in the meeting held at the Treasury yesterday (May 28).
The musicians, pointing out that while no music shows can be held under the prevailing situation in the country, they are unable to even pay professional dues while still have to pay the leasing charges on their equipment, requested the Minister of Finance to provide some relief.
Minister Samaraweera said the Finance Ministry is currently holding discussions on the relief that will be provided to various sectors affected by the Easter Sunday attacks and will decide soon on a measure to address the groups’ concerns.
Treasury Secretary Dr. RHS Samaratunga and senior officials of the Finance Ministry also participated in the discussion.
