Sony sends notice to Sri Lanka’s TV channel Swarnavahini over IP rights breach

Sony sends notice to Sri Lanka’s TV channel Swarnavahini over IP rights breach

Warns that failure to comply with its directions would result in formal legal proceedings

Sony International has initiated legal action in Sri Lanka after issuing a formal cease and desist notice to a local TV channel, Swarnavahini, over alleged violations of its intellectual property (IP)rights.

In its cease-and-desist notice, Sony demanded the immediate cessation of the production and broadcast of Jeevithayata Kotiyak (also referred to as Jeewithetha Kotiyak) by the broadcaster.

It claimed that the news and entertainment channel unlawfully reproduced elements of the globally recognized Who Wants to Be a Millionaire TV format, Sirasa Lakshapathi in Sri Lanka.

(Sony Pictures Television holds exclusive rights to the format in Sri Lanka and it has been licensed to another local channel as well).

Sony alleged that the disputed program constituted an unauthorized local adaptation of the format, thereby infringing on its IP rights. It sought immediate termination of all related production activities and the withdrawal of the program from broadcast.

(Both shows are hosted by Chandana Sooriyabandara, journalist and TV show host).

Sony’s notice has warned that failure to comply with its directions would result in formal legal proceedings without further notice. It could include claims for substantial financial damages arising from the alleged infringement.

In November 2025, Swarnavahini’s management had been reviewing the notice and assessing its legal and commercial implications. The notice has set off significant internal concerns, as the broadcasters have invested substantially in the program. It includes hiring a high-profile TV personality from a rival network to showcase the program.

Meanwhile, in a public notice issued on 30 November 2025, EAP Broadcasting Company Limited, which owns Swarnavahini, stated, “Categorically, these claims are false, misleading, and do not reflect the factual or legal position concerning the said program or its production. Jeewitheta Kotiyak has been developed and produced in strict compliance with all applicable legal, contractual, and industry standards, and no infringement or improper conduct has occurred on the part of EAP Broadcasting.”

Earlier, Sony Pictures was involved in high-profile rights-related disputes with Sri Lanka Cricket, concerning issues of transparency and governance in bidding operations of media rights.

However, it continues to expand its commercial footprint in the Sri Lankan market. The company’s digital streaming platform, Sony LIV, recently entered a partnership with Dialog Axiata PLC to provide content streaming services to local viewers.