The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) is planning to introduce new regulations to strengthen action against noise pollution under the proposed new Environmental Act.
CEA Director General Hemantha Jayasinghe said the regulations are currently at the planning stage and have not yet come into effect.
Under the proposed framework, noise pollution is expected to be classified as an offence for which a person could be arrested without a warrant, giving authorities stronger powers to act against violations.
Noise pollution in Sri Lanka has long been a source of public complaints, particularly over excessive sound from loudspeakers, entertainment events, construction activities, industries and other sources in residential areas.
Existing controls on environmental noise are implemented through regulations and standards under the National Environmental Act, while police and other authorities also have powers to act in certain circumstances.
The CEA is now looking at strengthening the regulatory framework as part of the proposed new environmental legislation, with the new noise pollution provisions expected to provide clearer enforcement mechanisms.
However, the proposed changes remain at the planning stage and will have to go through the required legal process before becoming enforceable. (Newswire)