Daily NEWS Srilanka

Cricketing duos Mahela and Sangakkara, owners of Live Events firm which organised Latin American singer Enrique Iglesias's concert which created a sensation have forwarded a lengthy letter across the official Facebook tendering their apologies to the entire nation. The President had said yesterday that those who organised this event should be battered by a 'Madu (skate) valigaya' while what Mahela and Sanga say in their letter intended for those who were present at the concert was that they are prepared to reimburse those who faced injustice being unable to stand at the allotted place after paying an exhorbitant price for the tickets. Their joint-announcement is as follows:

Dear Enrique ticket-holders,

We wish to apologise to all of you for your negative experience at the recently concluded Enrique Concert. Although both of us were overseas fulfilling cricket commitments, we were shocked and saddened to hear of the events that transpired. It is extremely disappointing for us that this event organised to assist the development of Sri Lanka as a tourist and entertainment hub and provide the public with exceptional entertainment of a high standard by accessing celebrated international artistes turned out in this manner. We are issuing this statement today after understanding all circumstances and facts.

Enrique to Sri Lanka, we backed it in all good faith expecting it a stellar event delivered in a professional manner to the public in Sri Lanka. Although we realised that such a venture will be an arduous one due to the well-known challenges and marked restraints of organising such large-scale events in Sri Lanka, we were willing to support this endeavour considering the rich experience and the image-building potential for Sri Lanka's tourism. As such, all required resources -- both financial and otherwise were made to the organisers to endure the desired outcome.

Unfortunately, the event has fallen short of these expectations. Although we believe that the organising team worked tirelessly and with good intentions to ensure a well-run event, there has been glaring mistakes made, for which responsibility need to be taken. 

Firstly, although the delay of the artiste and some equipment arriving at the venue which caused the subsequent delay in opening the gates to usher in the public for which the artiste responsibly and graciously apologised, it was beyond the control of the organisers and communication of this to the public was mishandled, thereby inconveniencing the people greatly. Those that stood patiently in-line for hours were not extended the courtesy of being informed of the ground situation. This at the very beginning would have frustrated and angered all of you.

Secondly, although a professional security Company was hired and protocols were put in place to ensure the safety and the comfort of all, we have been made well aware that these measures were inadequate when faced with the challenges of controlling such a large gathering and it failed alarmingly. This obviously undermined the overall experience of those who purchased premium tickets by their respective space being encroached upon by others and we fully understand their disappointment and anger. The premium price paid by them for their tickets needs to be respected and their comfort and viewing experience should have been safeguarded, which is under the direct purview of the organisers.

The organisers are in agreement with our direction that such shortcomings must not be tolerated. As such, we have informed them that an apology by itself is not sufficient but further appropriate compensation has to be made in the form of a suitable refund, irrespective of the financial loss of us. 

With regard to recent reports concerning Live Events and Municipal Entertainment Taxes, we categorically state that the Company remains transparent and ethical in all operations. 

Live Events will continue to ensure full compliance with all relevant tax commitments and is providing all necessary information to the Colombo Municipal Council in order to clarify facts and in future, transactions would be carried out in that manner. Accountability and integrity is paramount to us and we believe it will be so with the organisers too.

Although we know an apology or refund cannot fully satiate your disappointment, we wish to reiterate that we remain fully committed to all of you and our country. As such, a full and thorough internal inquiry is ongoing into all areas of concern.

Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardena