SriLanka, Sept. 21 -- New regulations requiring licences for the public use of certain music at weddings, parties, hotels, banks, supermarkets, corporate functions and other events have come into effect, as part of measures to protect intellectual property rights.

The regulations, gazetted by the Association of Creators and Publishers of Sri Lanka (ACPOSL) under the National Intellectual Property Office of Sri Lanka, came into force last Tuesday.

Under the new system, hotels and other establishments have been informed that licences must be obtained for events featuring music covered by the regulations. Fees range from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 125,000 depending on the type of event and the number of attendees.

The licensing requirement initial...