Sri Lanka Cabinet Approves Project to Safeguard Intellectual Property of Kandy Esala Perahera Festival

The Committee on Development and Intellectual Property of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has launched a project titled “Promotion of Festival Tourism Development through Intellectual Property.” This initiative seeks to empower cultural festival organizers in beneficiary countries to utilize intellectual property rights effectively for tourism development, ensuring respect for local traditions and cultural heritage.

In this context, Sri Lanka has identified the need to protect the historical, cultural, and traditional property rights linked to the Kandy Esala Perahera festival. This includes safeguarding traditional art forms and knowledge transmitted through generations.

Responding to this, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a resolution submitted by the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development. The resolution mandates the formation of a committee comprising all relevant stakeholders. This committee will operate under the joint leadership of the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development and the Minister of Buddhism, Religious Affairs, and Cultural Affairs.

The committee’s primary task is to prepare and submit a comprehensive project proposal aimed at protecting the intellectual property rights that embody the historical, cultural, and traditional identity and values of the Kandy Esala Perahera. Special emphasis will be placed on the protection of publication rights, trademarks, and brand names associated with the festival.

Separately, the Cabinet also granted policy approval for the establishment of the Chartered Computer Institute of Sri Lanka. Founded in 1976, the institute is the premier body representing ICT professionals in Sri Lanka. The new Sri Lanka Chartered Computer Association is intended to serve as the main professional organization advocating for computer sector professionals, with a status equal to other chartered professional bodies. The Legal Draftsman has been instructed to prepare a draft bill to formalize this establishment.

Additionally, the Cabinet approved policy revisions to the Drug Dependent Persons (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act No 54 of 2007. These amendments aim to introduce a formal mechanism to improve treatment and rehabilitation processes. The Legal Draftsman will also draft the necessary legislative amendments.

In another appointment, Mrs. O. T. M. I. Thilakarathne, the senior-most officer in the Sri Lanka Surveyors’ Service currently serving as Additional Surveyor General, has been appointed as Surveyor General. This position will become vacant on August 20, 2026.

The Cabinet also approved the purchase of 600 buses to enhance intercity and long-distance services of the Sri Lanka Transport Board, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve public transportation infrastructure.

These developments collectively underscore Sri Lanka’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage through intellectual property protection, strengthening professional institutions, and enhancing public services.