Sri Lanka Police warns of legal action over loudspeaker noise violations

Sri Lanka Police has warned that legal action will be taken against the improper use of loudspeakers, amplifiers and other sound equipment that causes disturbance or inconvenience to the public.

In a statement issued today (August 30), Police urged the public to comply with Supreme Court orders and instructions issued by Sri Lanka Police on the use of sound equipment.

Police said noise pollution has developed beyond a simple disturbance and has become a health and psychological concern, particularly for infants, schoolchildren, elderly persons and patients.

According to the Supreme Court order issued in Case No. 38/2005, Police are empowered to take legal action when amplifiers, loudspeakers or other sound equipment cause inconvenience or distress to the public or nearby residents.

Such incidents can be treated as a public nuisance under Section 261 of the Penal Code.

The Supreme Court has also issued special instructions on granting permission for the use of loudspeakers and other sound-amplifying equipment under the Police Ordinance.

Accordingly, permission should not generally be granted for the use of loudspeakers between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM the following day.

However, permission may be granted in accordance with the law for religious activities or special occasions after considering the relevant circumstances.

Police said anyone who receives permission must strictly follow the date, time and all other conditions stated in the licence.

The permitted time period itself does not give licence holders an automatic right to use loudspeakers. Sound equipment must only be used according to the specific permission and conditions stated in the Police licence issued for the occasion.

Even when permission has been granted, loudspeakers must not be used in a way that allows sound to travel beyond the relevant premises and disturb nearby residents or the public.

Police stressed that this requirement also applies to special occasions held between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM. Organisers must ensure that sound remains within the relevant premises and does not cause unnecessary disturbance to people living nearby.

Where permission has been granted, Police will deploy an adequate number of officers to supervise the event and ensure that the conditions of the licence are followed.

If Police receive a complaint from a member of the public, officers will inspect the location. If they confirm that the noise is causing a public nuisance or inconvenience, those responsible will be instructed to stop the activity.

If the activity continues despite Police instructions, legal action will be taken under existing laws, including taking the sound equipment into Police custody.

Sri Lanka Police has requested anyone affected by excessive noise being generated unlawfully or in a manner that causes a public nuisance to inform the nearest Police station or contact the emergency numbers 118 or 119.

Police emphasised that everyone has a responsibility to use loudspeakers and amplifiers without disturbing the peace, freedom and daily lives of others, warning that legal action will be taken against those who violate the law or the conditions of permits issued to them.