Police warn of action over noise pollution
By Chaminda Silva Police yesterday warned that loudspeakers, amplifiers and other sound equipment used in a manner that causes public disturbance could be taken into police custody if users disregard Supreme Court directives and police instructions. In a special notice, police have said legal action could also be taken against those responsible under Section 261 […]
The Island Sri Lanka reports that police in Sri Lanka have issued a warning to users of loudspeakers, amplifiers, and other sound equipment, cautioning that these devices could be seized and legal action taken against those who disregard Supreme Court directives and police instructions. The police have expressed concern over the increasing health and psychological impact of excessive noise, particularly on vulnerable groups such as infants, schoolchildren, the elderly, and patients.
According to a special notice, police have the authority to take action under Section 261 of the Penal Code for causing public nuisance, and Supreme Court Order No. 38/2005 grants them the power to intervene when sound equipment causes public inconvenience or disturbance. Police have emphasized that loudspeaker usage should generally be restricted between 10 pm and 6 am, with exceptions for religious activities and special occasions, subject to legal requirements.
Permits for loudspeaker usage are granted based on specified dates, times, and conditions, and users must strictly adhere to these guidelines. The police will monitor permitted events to ensure compliance and may take legal action, including the seizure of sound equipment, if individuals fail to comply. Affected members of the public are encouraged to report excessive or unlawful noise to the nearest police station or emergency hotlines 118 or 119.
Brief written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
