Capital Maharaja's Suranga Jayalath appointed chair of ABU - IP

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Sri Lanka was awarded the Chair of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union's (ABU) Intellectual Property and Legal Committee at the opening ceremony of the 3rd Forum today (March 11) On behalf of Sri Lanka, Group Director Legal and HR of The Capital Maharaja Organisation Limited Suranga Jayalath will take up the role of Chairperson of the Committee and he will continue in office for the next two years. The forum is organised by the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union and was hosted by The Capital Maharaja Organisation Limited and MTV Channel Private Limited. Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union comprises of more than 200 members. Speaking at the event Director General, National Intellectual Property of Sri Lanka, Geethanjali Ranawaka said that a question is risen as to whether it is possible to tolerate any new technology that would result in a collision with rules of traditional intellectual property law. She further said that the concept of traditional IP law, is to control IP violations and that it is important to find the gaps and develop logical reasons why certain IP creations do not qualify as protectable. The Director-General said that the popularity of the industry has diminished due to the new media and other internet-based technologies. "In the last 6-7 years, we have been able to make remarkable progress, particularly in the areas of copyright and related rights. New regulations have already been approved by the legal draftsman, which would become effective very soon, upon approval of the parliament" she added. Director General Ranawaka said that it will benefit not only musicians and performers to engage in more creative work, but also contribute back to the society, and to the economy of the country. Also speaking at the event The Managing Director of the Capital Maharaja Organisation Limited, Sashi Rajamahendran said that there are many opponents to this trick implementation of laws to protect intellectual property rights, especially in the Asian context and that however protecting it is a key factor, when it comes to protecting investments. He added that protecting it is vital for the growth and development of a country.