Sri Lanka Police has reiterated that the use of loudspeakers and other sound equipment is generally not permitted after 10.00 p.m., warning that excessive noise causing inconvenience to the general public could result in legal action.

Police urged the public to use loudspeakers, amplifiers and other sound equipment responsibly and in accordance with the law.

In a statement, the Police Headquarter said noise pollution has been observed to pose a serious health and psychological concern, particularly for infants, schoolchildren, elderly persons and patients.

Under the order issued in Supreme Court Case No. 38/2005, the use of sound equipment in a manner that causes public inconvenience may be considered a public nuisance under Section 261 of the Penal Code, making those responsible liable for legal action.

As a general rule, loudspeakers may not be used between 10.00 p.m. and 6.00 a.m. the following day.

However, Police said legal permission may be granted for religious functions and special occasions after considering the circumstances.

Where specific police permission has been granted, loudspeakers may be used until 10.00 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, until 1.00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 12.30 a.m. on Sundays.

However, Police stressed that these time periods do not automatically entitle permit holders to use loudspeakers at those hours. Even where permission has been granted, the sound must be controlled so that it remains confined to the relevant premises and does not cause a disturbance to surrounding residents.

Police officers will monitor compliance with the conditions attached to permits. Where a public complaint is received and the noise is found to be causing a disturbance, those responsible will be instructed to stop the activity immediately, the statement noted.

Police also warned that continued excessive noise despite such instructions could lead to strict legal action, including the seizure of the relevant sound equipment and its taking into police custody.

The general public has been requested to report illegal or excessive noise causing a disturbance to the nearest police station or by calling the emergency numbers 118 or 119.