Concert and Festival Organisers in Sri Lanka Face Unprecedented Challenges

Strategic Insights -

The concert and festival industry in Sri Lanka is under threat due to rising operational costs and regulatory inconsistencies. During a recent media briefing, industry representatives expressed concern over the impact of increased police allowances and uneven entertainment tax rates on their viability. The Joint Association of Sri Lanka Concert, Festival Organisers and Coordinators highlighted the need for government intervention to standardise taxes and address rental fees for venues.

Key Takeaways:

  • The daily 'Bata' allowance for police personnel assigned for concerts and festivals has increased significantly, with the allowance for a police constable rising from Rs. 950 to Rs. 4,500.
  • The cost of police allowances for a one-day concert would amount to Rs. 175,000 under the new rates, and for a 5-day festival, it would soar to nearly Rs. 1 million.
  • Entertainment tax rates vary widely across Provincial Councils, ranging from 7.5% to 25% of the ticket sales, which creates an uneven financial burden on organisers.
  • Organisers also face uneven rental fees for playgrounds and venues charged by provincial authorities, which differ from region to region.
  • The association has called on the government to urgently address these issues and standardise taxes nationwide to create a fair and sustainable environment for the industry.
  • The concert and festival scene in Sri Lanka, which serves as an affordable form of entertainment for many, could face significant setbacks unless policy adjustments are made.

Statistics:

  • Police Constable: Rs. 4,500 (new rate), Rs. 950 (old rate)
  • Police Sergeant: Rs. 4,850 (new rate)
  • Sub-Inspector: Rs. 5,250 (new rate)
  • Police Inspector: Rs. 5,625 (new rate)
  • Chief Inspector: Rs. 5,750 (new rate)
  • Serial deployment for a one-day concert: 25 police constables, five sergeants, a sub-inspector, an inspector, and a chief inspector
  • Cost of police allowances for a one-day concert: Rs. 175,000
  • Cost of police allowances for a 5-day festival: nearly Rs. 1 million
  • Entertainment tax rates vary from 7.5% to 25% of ticket sales across Provincial Councils

Sources:

  • "Sri Lanka concert and festival organsrs raise alarm over escalating challenges" ([Division of the Ministry of Mass Media](http://www.media.gov.lk)
  • "Association of Concert and Festival Organizers raises alarm over escalating challenges" ([Sunday Observer](http://observer.lk))
  • "Concert and Festival Organisers Face Bureaucratic Hurdles" ([Daily Mirror](http://dailymirror.lk))