Strengthening Intellectual Property Enforcement in Sri Lanka’s Music Industry

Strengthening Intellectual Property Enforcement in Sri Lanka’s Music Industry

“How Sri Lanka is aligning music copyright laws with WIPO standards”

In a significant move towards safeguarding the rights of artists and content creators, Sri Lanka has taken decisive steps to enhance the enforcement of intellectual property (IP) laws in the music sector. A high-level meeting chaired by Trade Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe brought together key international and local stakeholders to address the critical gaps in the current legal and regulatory framework governing creative rights.

High-Level Dialogue on IP Reform

The meeting, held under the auspices of the Ministry of Trade, was convened in collaboration with the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) and the World Intellectual Property Organization. The objective was to align Sri Lanka’s national IP laws with international standards, ensuring that local artists, performers, and rights holders receive due protection and recognition in an increasingly globalized creative economy.

Stakeholder Engagement and Urgent Calls for Reform

The discussions saw active participation from a range of stakeholders, including representatives from the All-Ceylon Performers and Songwriters League and officials from the National Intellectual Property Office. Contributors to the dialogue unanimously underscored the pressing need for legal and institutional reforms. They emphasized that outdated legislation and weak enforcement mechanisms have continued to undermine the value and sustainability of the local music industry.

Formation of a Special Committee

One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the agreement to establish a dedicated committee tasked with formulating a set of actionable recommendations. This body will comprise legal experts, industry professionals, and government officials, and is expected to deliver its findings within a three-month timeframe. The committee's mandate includes identifying legislative gaps, proposing regulatory updates, and recommending enforcement strategies that balance the interests of creators and the broader public.

The initiative signals a renewed commitment by the Sri Lankan government to uphold intellectual property rights and nurture the country’s creative industries. As Sri Lanka moves forward with these reforms, collaboration with global partners such as CISAC and WIPO will be essential in building a robust IP ecosystem. Ultimately, the protection of artistic rights is not just a legal imperative—it is a cultural and economic investment in the nation’s creative future.