The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law
Hon. Chithral Fernando raised concerns that recent increases in charges for Police services at concerts and events have significantly raised costs for the entertainment industry, which he said supports about one million people directly and indirectly. He noted that Police revenue from such services exceeded Rs. 100 million in the first five months of the year compared with Rs. 47 million the previous year, while organizers also pay entertainment taxes and venue fees. He asked whether the Government would consider relief or adjustments to avoid burdening the industry.
Verbatim record (translated)
Machine-translated from Sinhala / Tamil / English¶ 01 So about Rs. 100+ million in the first five months this year. Hon. Speaker, my concern is this:
¶ 02 Our entertainment industry — concerts, events, recreation — supports around 1 million people directly and indirectly. Concerts can attract 35,000–40,000 people; Police protection there is understandable. But in March, rates for Police services were raised: constable day rate from Rs. 900 to Rs. 4,800; sergeant from Rs. 1,200 to Rs. 5,200. Organizers pay these. They also pay entertainment taxes to local authorities and separate stadium fees; multi-day events can cost in the millions. In five months Police earned over Rs. 100 million, whereas last year it was Rs. 47 million. Why are you crushing this industry? Will you consider relief or adjustments for them?
Provenance
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- Hansard, Friday, 20 June 2025 ·No. 1751600792021434 ·English daily/uncorrected Hansard
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Cite as: The Hon. Chithral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law. 10th Parliament, Parliament of Sri Lanka. Hansard, 20 June 2025. No. 1751600792021434. Politick, https://staging.politick.io/lk/speeches/1891