New environmental laws introduced for noisy people

The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) is preparing to introduce a new system of laws and regulations based on the National Environmental Act to minimize noise pollution across the island, states Minister of Environment, Dr. Dhammika Perera. With the approval of these regulations, releasing excessive noise into the environment will be considered a punishable offense, and the police as well as environmental officers will be granted full legal powers to instantly arrest suspects without a judicial warrant.

Under these new laws, special attention will be paid to controlling excessively loud horns, illegally modified silencers in vehicles operating on highways, and music played inside buses that causes distress to passengers. Furthermore, the Minister stated that the law will be strictly enforced against outdoor music concerts and parties organized without proper authorization, as well as factories and construction sites that operate with excessive noise, disturbing the public.

However, the Central Environmental Authority has focused on ensuring that essential recreational activities for the general public, as well as cultural and religious activities, are not hindered. Accordingly, special consideration will be given to providing necessary relaxations and flexibility for religious and cultural festivals.

A large number of public complaints have been received regarding the mental and physical distress faced by patients, elders, and schoolchildren due to excessive noise. Public opinion on the fundamental concepts of these regulations is expected to be sought in the future, after which special programs to educate relevant sectors and groups will be implemented, and the regulations will be published through a special gazette notification.