The Sri Lankan government has addressed a viral video in which a tourist criticized the administration for police intervention that stopped a DJ event at a Matara hotel at 10 p.m. earlier this week.
Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayathissa said the restriction on sound events after 10 p.m. from Monday to Thursday is not a new government policy but a Supreme Court directive issued several days ago. He said events can continue until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and until 12:30 a.m. on Sundays, as per the court’s decision.
Jayathissa added that the government is aware of the potential impact on tourism and is discussing amendments to the regulations. He also clarified that the viral video falsely claims the rule is a new measure introduced by the administration. (Newswire)
A tourist complains about music being turned off at 10pm at ‘Doctor’s House’ in Matara, a music venue, to comply with orders from authorities pic.twitter.com/D9xZ5xhJc1
— Kusum Wijetilleke (@KusumW) January 23, 2025