Sri Lanka Police have urged the public to strictly comply with the law when using loudspeakers, amplifiers and other sound equipment.
The Police requested the public to follow the orders issued by the Supreme Court, instructions issued by Sri Lanka Police from time to time, and public awareness guidelines regarding the use of loudspeakers, amplifiers and other sound equipment in a manner that does not disturb the peaceful lives, daily activities and wellbeing of the public and surrounding residents.
Police noted that excessive noise pollution has developed beyond an environmental concern and has become a serious health and psychological issue, particularly affecting infants, schoolchildren, elderly persons and those suffering from illnesses.
According to the Supreme Court order issued in Case No. 38/2005, where the use of amplifiers, loudspeakers or other sound equipment causes inconvenience, disturbance or distress to members of the public or nearby residents, Police are empowered to take appropriate legal action, treating such conduct as a public nuisance under Section 261 of the Penal Code.
Permission to Use Loudspeakers
The Supreme Court has issued specific directions regarding permission to use loudspeakers and other sound-amplifying equipment under the provisions of the Police Ordinance.
Accordingly, permission should not ordinarily be granted to use loudspeakers between 10.00 p.m. and 6.00 a.m. the following day. However, permission may be granted for religious activities or special occasions in accordance with the law, after considering the relevant circumstances and applicable conditions.
Where a permit has been issued, the date, time and all other conditions specified in the permit must be strictly observed.
Permitted Time Periods
Where the relevant Police permission has been obtained, loudspeakers may be used, subject to the conditions specified in the permit, during the following periods:
Monday to Thursday – up to 10.00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday – up to 1.00 a.m.
Sunday – up to 12.30 a.m.
These time periods do not constitute an automatic entitlement for permit holders. Loudspeakers may only be used in accordance with the specific conditions and limitations stipulated in the permit issued by Police for the relevant event or occasion.
Even where permission has been granted, loudspeakers must not be operated in a manner that allows excessive sound to travel beyond the premises and causes annoyance, disturbance or inconvenience to neighbouring residents or members of the public.
Even for special occasions permitted between 6.00 a.m. and 10.00 p.m., the sound level must be appropriately controlled and, as far as practicable, confined to the premises concerned without causing unnecessary disturbance to the surrounding community.
Police will take necessary measures to deploy adequate personnel to monitor compliance with the conditions stipulated in the relevant permits.
If a complaint is received from a member of the public, Police officers will inspect the location concerned. If it is established that the sound being emitted is causing disturbance, distress or inconvenience to the public or surrounding residents, the relevant persons will be instructed to discontinue or appropriately control the use of the sound equipment.
If the activity continues despite Police instructions, necessary legal action will be taken in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. This may include taking the relevant sound equipment into Police custody where legally authorised.
The public is requested to report incidents involving excessive or unlawful noise, or the use of loudspeakers and other sound equipment in a manner that causes a public nuisance, to the nearest Police station or by calling the Police Emergency Hotline 118 or 119.
Sri Lanka Police emphasised that it is the responsibility of all individuals and organisations to use loudspeakers, amplifiers and other sound equipment in a manner that does not disturb the peace, comfort, freedom and day-to-day activities of the public.
Police further emphasised that appropriate legal action will be taken against any person who violates the relevant legal provisions or the conditions stipulated in a permit issued for the use of sound equipment.
Source: Police Media Division
