Can you play songs at private functions without paying?
– Minister Vijitha Herath has clarified that no license fees or other payments are required for singing or playing songs at weddings, family functions or other private gatherings, dismissing recent claims circulating on social media.Addressing the issue, Herath said there were no restrictions or charges imposed on people for singing songs at private events, including wedding receptions.He explained that under national and international intellectual property laws, lyricists and musicians hold rights to their creative works, with discussions having taken place on mechanisms to ensure they receive fair compensation for their contributions.Representatives of songwriter and musician associations have clarified that royalty arrangements are intended for commercial events organized to generate revenue, such as ticketed musical shows and concerts.
At such events, they said, a portion of the revenue should be allocated to lyricists and composers in recognition of their contribution, alongside payments made to performing artists.
Herath said that these arrangements do not apply to private gatherings, family events or weddings, where no licence fees or payments are required for singing or playing songs.