Govt. to allow musical shows, cinemas soon: Minister

Government is looking into the possibility of allowing musical shows and opening of cinemas in the near future, State Minister of National Heritage, Performing Arts and Rural Arts Promition Vidura Wickramanayake told Parliament today.

Responding to an oral question raised by SJB Parliamentarian Hesha Vithnage, State Minister Wickramanayake said he and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa will meet the heath officials to discuss about allowing musical shows and opening of cinemas within the next two weeks.

We will also focus on allowing traditional rituals such as thovils as well.  

“It was the artistes who were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic initially and they are the ones who should be considered for concessions before every one else. Therefore the Prime Minister is looking for the possibility of helping the artistes and to allow musical shows and open cinemas very soon,” the State Minister said.

“We are not happy with our performance to help the artistes, as we have been able to allow only a loan scheme for them,” he added.(Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana)