Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa has accused the government of double standards in applying the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), following the arrest of a young artist from Kilinochchi over alleged LTTE‑related content in a rap song.

Rajapaksa said the move raises “serious concerns about double standards under the current government,” noting that similar LTTE‑themed songs were used by National People’s Power (NPP) politicians during the recent local government election campaign without consequence.

“A Jaffna District NPP MP reportedly shared such songs openly on social media for political benefit. Where were the Police then? Where was the PTA then?” he asked.

While stressing that the LTTE remains a banned terrorist organization and that he does not support anyone glorifying it, Rajapaksa argued that accountability must apply equally.

“One rule for politicians and another for ordinary youth is unacceptable in a democratic society,” he said in a post on X.

He warned that if the government believes such actions are unlawful, enforcement must be consistent; otherwise, the arrest will be seen as a selective abuse of power. (Newswire)

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Singer Arijit Singh has offered clarity regarding his recent decision to withdraw from playback singing, a move that has drawn considerable attention across the music industry. 

In a series of candid statements posted to his private X profile, the 38-year-old artist explained that this transition was neither sudden nor the result of a singular incident.

Singh emphasised that he intends to redirect his efforts toward personal growth and independent music production in the coming period.

On his private X account, the singer said, “There isn’t just one reason for this; there are multiple factors, and I have been contemplating this for quite some time. Ultimately, I have mustered the necessary courage (sic).”

Opening up about his creative restlessness, Singh said, “One of the reasons is quite straightforward: I tend to lose interest quickly, which is why I frequently alter the arrangements of my songs and perform them live.” He further acknowledged the need for new challenges, stating, “So, here’s the truth: I’ve grown weary. I need to explore different music to thrive (sic).”

Another factor influencing Singh’s decision is his enthusiasm for hearing and supporting new voices in the industry. He remarked, “Another factor is my eagerness to hear new singers who can inspire me genuinely (sic).”

Singh also reassured fans of his ongoing commitment to music, saying, “I have been truly blessed. I am a fan of quality music and will be focusing on learning more and creating independently as a small artist in the future. Thank you once more for all your support (sic).”

He clarified that he would honour his remaining professional obligations, stating, “I still have some outstanding commitments to fulfil, and I will complete them. So, you may still see some releases this year. Just to clarify, I won’t cease making music (sic).”

In his public message marking the new year, Singh formally announced his decision to halt new playback singing projects on Tuesday. He wrote, “Greetings, Happy New Year to everyone. I want to extend my gratitude for the immense love you have shown me over the years as listeners. I am pleased to share that I will not be accepting any new projects as a playback singer moving forward. I am putting an end to this chapter. It has been an incredible journey (sic).”

Singh’s most recent playback release is Maatrubhumi from the film Battle Of Galwan. Details about his upcoming independent projects remain undisclosed, but he confirmed he will continue with live performances and focus on work outside the playback sphere. (India Today)

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A popular Sri Lankan singer admitted in court to sending obscene images of his wife to her sister via social media, according to statements made before Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama.

The suspect appeared before the court as the case was taken up, facing charges related to the distribution of obscene content. The complaint had been filed by the singer’s wife, prompting an investigation by the Cyber Crimes Unit of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Representing the suspect, attorney Jagath Bandara informed the court that his client accepted the charges and wished to resolve the case swiftly.

According to the complaint, the wife, who had lived with the singer for nearly ten years, had temporarily left the marital home due to his misconduct and stayed at her mother’s residence. During that time, she reportedly maintained a phone-based friendship with a young man in Japan. 

The wedded couple had later reconciled.

The singer, however, allegedly accessed his wife’s Facebook messages, where he came across a nude image sent during the previous correspondence with the young man. 

The singer had then forwarded the image to his wife’s sister via WhatsApp, leading to the complaint.

Following the admission of guilt, the magistrate ordered a report on any prior offences committed by the suspect and set the next hearing for December 19. (Newswire)

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Renowned Sri Lankan singer Amitha Wedisinghe has passed away this morning, family sources confirmed.

The veteran Sri Lankan singer, a ranked artist of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), was 82 years old at the time of her demise. 

The late Amitha Wedisinghe was known for timeless hits like Senkadagalapura Dalada Budures and Ran Dorin Enna Adaren. (Newswire)

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Sri Lankan-born UK-based international singer/songwriter and music producer Arjun has received praise from Bollywood superstar Sha Rukh Khan for his remake of a song from the actor’s latest Hindi movie ‘Jawan’. 

Actor Sha Rukh Khan took to ‘X’ to praise Arjun’s rendition of an English version of the song ‘Chaleya’ from ‘Jawan’. 

“Thank u my man… awesome stuff!! Love it. #Chaleya,” Sha Rukh Khan commented on a post of the music video that he was tagged on. 

Arjun is currently in Sri Lanka working on the remake of the prominent Sri Lankan song ‘Oye Ojaye’. 

“It’s an honour to now be remaking my fave Sri Lankan song with the legendary Gypsies and the original singer/composer of the song my big bro Piyal Perera @gypsiessrilanka,” Arjun announced via a post on Facebook. 

‘Oye Ojaye’ by Arjun is expected to drop on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. (NewsWire)

Thank u my man… awesome stuff!! Love it. #Chaleya https://t.co/BEF7EfO7ed

— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) October 4, 2023

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