Noise pollution – regulations to be effective from next year

While a the total ban on loudspeakers or any other amplifiers that produce noise between 10.00 pm to 6.00 am is on with immediate effect, the Ministry of Environment is finalizing the new draft regulations with regard to noise pollution which would be implemented from the beginning of next year.

Central Environmental Authority Chairman, Udaya Gammanpila said the Supreme Court made the interim order until the new draft regulations on Community Noise Level Standards are approved by Parliament.“We are happy that the Supreme Court took strong action regarding protection of the environment. Now as it is an interim order the police have to play a major role as directed by the Supreme Court,” he said.

Last Friday the Supreme Court issued a significant directive regarding sound pollution, -a total ban on loudspeaker use between 10.00 pm to 6.00 am and an immediate cancellation of loudspeaker permits issued by the police. Speaking to The Sunday Times, Chief incumbent of the Dharmasoka Viharaya at Chitra Lane, Ven Haowita Deepananda Thera said that it’s better to have certain controls in place in populated areas.

“There is time till 10.00 pm to broadcast pirith. Though I believe pirith does not cause noise pollution, it’s difficult to separate pirith from other noises. So we have to adhere to the order given by the Supreme Court” the Ven. Thero said. Nazushan Hassen, General Secretary of the Colombo Grand Mosque said that most Muslims who go to mosques would be affected although the prayer time is two minutes.

He said that the ruling affected the religious freedom of the Muslims, but since it was a decision taken by the Supreme Court they had stopped the call for morning prayers. He added that it was only one prayer call that would be missed and people who regularly attend prayers and services at the mosque would not be affected by the ruling.”

A priest at St. Anthony’s Church, Kochchikade said the ruling would have an adverse effect during church feasts. However the Supreme Court ruling states that in exceptional circumstances permits could be issued for special religious functions or events even after 10.00 pm, after giving ear to the views of the residents in the neighbourhood.

The Court ruling gives power to the police to take action against noise pollution caused by the use of amplifiers or loud speakers which causes irritation to people in the neighbourhood. Police could also grant permits for the use of loudspeakers under exceptional circumstances between 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 pm but should be watchful and ensure that they abide by the law.

The Court also ordered that police make special arrangements for public complaints against the use of loudspeakers and immediately conduct investigations. The ruling gives police the right to confiscate the equipment and report the matter to the Registrar of the Supreme Court should noise pollution continue after an initial warning.