Music licensing revised, but fees are a sticking point

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 27, 2026

The Association of Creators and Publishers of Sri Lanka (ACPOSL) has revised its music licensing system to exclude DJs, weddings, and private functions after feedback from industry groups, maintaining licenses for public events like concerts and corporate gatherings. This adjustment aims to balance fair royalty payments for creators with concerns over fee structures and implementation, as ACPOSL works toward greater transparency and international collaboration in protecting intellectual property rights.

The Association of Creators and Publishers of Sri Lanka (ACPOSL) has revised its recently introduced music licensing system following consultations with industry stakeholders, narrowing its scope amid concerns over implementation and fee structures.

The system, designed to regulate the commercial use of music at events and functions, aims to ensure that composers, lyricists, and publishers receive royalties for their work. However, after discussions with the Event Management Association of Sri Lanka and the Ceylon Disc Jockeys Association, ACPOSL decided to suspend licensing requirements for DJs, weddings, and private functions, according to ACPOSL Chairman Nilar N. Cassim. Licenses will still be required for public events such as musical shows and corporate functions.

The licensing initiative has been met with mixed reactions within Sri Lanka’s music community. Prominent musicians, including Piyal Perera of the band Gypsies, have voiced support for the system, emphasizing the financial hardships faced by many lyricists. Perera noted that about 90% of lyricists struggle financially and that a proper system is essential to secure fair remuneration for creators.

Similarly, music composer Navarathna Gamage highlighted the need for better recognition and compensation. He pointed to the contribution of musicians across various platforms such as ringtone services and cassettes, from which many have not received adequate returns. Gamage stressed the importance of a fair and properly implemented system to ensure equitable payment for singers, composers, and lyricists.

Despite such endorsements, the Sri Lankan Singers’ Association (SLASA) expressed reservations about the existing fee framework. SLASA questioned the legal authority of ACPOSL to impose charges, the methodology used to calculate fees, and the transparency of funds distribution. The association acknowledged the importance of protecting intellectual property rights but warned that licensing should not impose undue financial strain on the public, performers, or event organisers.

Chandumal Fernando, leader of the band C Plus, echoed the call for reconsideration of fees, suggesting that licensing rules be tailored to Sri Lanka’s specific context. Fernando cited a lack of awareness about the system as a major obstacle and urged comprehensive communication among all stakeholders—singers, composers, lyricists, bands, and event organisers—prior to implementation. He also called for greater transparency in the collection and allocation of payments.

ACPOSL Chairman Cassim clarified that licensing fees would be paid by event organisers rather than individual musicians or bands. He underscored ACPOSL’s willingness to engage with industry representatives to refine the system, which is part of a broader action plan developed in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organisation. The association seeks to join the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers and views the licensing framework as a key step toward systematically collecting royalties from commercial music use in Sri Lanka.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.