Entertainment…also responsible for this messy scene

On many occasions, I’ve referred to the Covid-19 pandemic and the precautions those who are very much a part of the entertainment scene should take in order to keep this deadly virus under control.

I remember saying that we are seated on a ticking time bomb…ready to explode any moment!

Sadly, the people concerned, and the venues catering to those who check out such setups, did absolutely nothing. And, now we are feeling the heat of that time bomb.

Most of the nightspots were crowded with people who didn’t care less…about what the world, and Sri Lanka, was experiencing, with this killer virus, claiming the lives of millions, crippling the economy, people losing their jobs, etc.

Probably, they were following in the footsteps of Niro where it’s said that ‘Niro played the fiddle while Rome burnt.’

Such irresponsible folk didn’t take any of the Covid-19 health guidelines seriously; they were simply overjoyed, gyrating on a packed dance floor – with no masks, and no social distancing.

And, this scene came to a climax during the festive holidays where everyone was out celebrating, in style – again no masks, no social distancing, etc.

Well, sadly the end result is that musicians/ entertainers are now without work.

Where entertainment venues are concerned, it’s the management that has got to take the rap.

They seem to have turned a blind eye to the instructions issued by the health authorities with regard to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Some of these managers gave the impression that they were not bothered by what Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana, and Army Commander, General Shavendra Silva, had to say, on radio, and on TV, on a daily basis, about the importance of wearing masks, social distancing, and sanitizers.

Even if the situation continues to deteriorate, lots of people can still work from home but that is not possible where musicians are concerned.

Blame it on these entertainment venues…and those venues that kept their doors open for tamashas – parties, weddings, and all sorts of celebrations – without adhering to Covid-19 safety rules, laid down by the health authorities.

Yes, it’s certainly going to be a very tough scene for most entertainers, over the next few weeks.

There were certainly signs of improvement, in the showbiz industry, early last month, but then came the aurudu celebrations, both in Colombo, and the outstation, and we are all now experiencing the messy scene that has come out of it.

The band Aquarius had three weekly performances, but the guys are left with nothing at the moment.

Rajiv and The Clan were booked for quite a few weddings, for the month of May, and all of them have been postponed.

“I’m worried that some of the new dates may clash with the bookings I’ve already accepted for the months ahead, said Rajiv, adding that they have absolutely no work now

Kevin and his band Genesis have also had quite a few of their booking, for the month of May, cancelled.

Let’s hope when the scene improves, people will act with responsibility, especially those in charge of entertainment venues, and make certain that Covid-19 health guidelines are strictly adhered to.

And, the authorities concerned should go all out to nab those who deviate from the guidelines, and do their own thing.