Lack of clarity over outdoor musical events creates uncertainties

An ambiguity has been created as to whether outdoor musical events can be held or not under existing quarantine regulations.

According to Public Health Inspectors Union, permission cannot be granted to hold outdoor events including musical events under the existing quarantine regulations.

"As per the health guidelines issued on January 1, outdoor events are not permitted," PHIU Head Upul Rohana said.

"Thus, he requested musical event organisers not to come to them seeking approval as they are legally not allowed to do so," he said.

In such a situation, the IGP on December 27 directed police stations to issue sound permits for all outdoor musical events to be held under health guidelines.

Accordingly, such events have been permitted to be held until 10.00 pm from Mondays to Thursdays and until 1.00 am. on Fridays and Saturdays while, on Sundays, outdoor musical events are allowed to be held on until 12.30 am.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa said the IGP had only directed police stations to issue sound permits but not to permit outdoor musical events.

"Sound permits are issued as per a Gazette issued by the Director General of Health Services where it has been articulated that outdoor events can be held with prior approval from Health DG," he explained.

"With this Gazette, the circular issued earlier banning issuing of sound permits was annulled," he added.

Thus, the Police Spokesman said sound permits are issued if only proper approval is obtained from relevant health authorities.

Meanwhile, COVID-19 Coordinator Dr. Anwar Hamdani when speaking to the Daily Mirror said a confusion was created whether musical events are allowed to be held or not.

"However, a concrete solution pertaining to the matter is to be announced today," he added. (Sheain Fernandopulle)