Concert goes wrong, Sanga, Mahela on sticky wicket

Colombo, An entertainment company owned by Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene apologised for an Enrique Iglesias concert where local women shed their innerwear, sparking outrage from the country’s President.
Live Events admitted that security “failed alarmingly” and apologised for the “negative experience” during the one-hour concert in Colombo on December 20.
Fans had paid money ranging from 5,000 rupees to 50,000 rupees ($350) for tickets to the show which was part of the Spanish star’s world tour ‘Love and Sex’.
They did not directly refer to President Maithripala Sirisena’s criticism that intoxicated local women had thrown their bras at the singer and kissed and hugged him. “I don’t advocate that these uncivilised women who removed their brassieres should be beaten with toxic stingray tails, but those who organised such an event should be,” the President said on Sunday.
Sirisena did not name the two cricket stars, but it was widely known that the concert was hosted by a company set up recently by the pair after Sangakkara retired from international cricket in August.
Live Events said they were considering refunding fans who were disappointed due to delays in starting the concert and the ensuing crowd chaos.
Those who had paid for the most expensive tickets were said to have been dislodged by people who bought cheaper tickets as security and crowd control arrangements failed.
“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,” the cricketing duo said.
“A full and thorough internal inquiry is ongoing into all areas of concern.”
They also denied allegations that they had dodged paying local municipal taxes amounting to nearly 30 million rupees ($215,000). —