Lahiru issues clarification

24 February 2011 02:00 pm

By Gandhya Senanayake

Popular Sri Lankan singer Lahiru Perera today expressed his deepest regrets and apologies to any person or party that may have been offended by this song, which was recently banned due to its "insulting" lyrics.

Reportedly the song known as “Enna” was banned after directions were received by President Mahinda Rajapaksa who thought the song was of poor taste.Government and private radio and television channels also stopped broadcasting the song after it was banned.

Releasing a statement he added -

Clarification regarding ‘Enna’ Cricket song by Lahiru Perera

I am extremely distressed by the negative publicity that has arisen concerning my song “Enna” which was launched as a cheer for our National Cricket Team.

While I wholeheartedly respect and agree with the decision to refrain from playing my song, I would like to clarify several misconceptions concerning its lyrics.

Those who are aware of my style of songs would know that most are unconventional and novel. Songs like Rambari, Rathu Rata Kadju are such examples.

In line with my usual style I made the song ‘Enna’. As any cricket lover who has ever seen a big match in Sri Lanka or a Sri Lankan Cricket match is conversant with this style of cheer songs played and sung by people who cheer teams.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep regret and apologies to any person or party that may have been offended by this song. I would like to re-iterate that I did not intend to disrespect any country playing the ICC World Cup but only meant to produce a song that will be enjoyed as a cheer song by all Sri Lankan’s. (Daily Mirror online)