Minister Vijitha Herath said no licence fees or other payments were required for singing or playing songs at weddings, family functions or other private gatherings, dismissing claims circulating on social media.
Herath said no restrictions or charges had been imposed on people singing songs at private events, including wedding receptions.
He explained that lyricists and musicians held rights to their creative works under national and international intellectual property laws. Discussions had been held on mechanisms to ensure they received fair compensation for their contributions.
Representatives of songwriter and musician associations had clarified that royalty arrangements were intended for commercial events organised to generate revenue, such as ticketed musical shows and concerts.
They said a portion of the revenue from such events should be allocated to lyricists and composers in recognition of their work, alongside payments to performing artists.
Herath reiterated that these arrangements did not apply to weddings, family functions or other private gatherings.
