Clean Sri Lanka and noise pollution

Tuesday, 1 April 2025 04:23 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Dr. Jayampathy Wickramaratne, PC, in his two excellent articles titled “Clean Sri Lanka and noise pollution Part I and Part II,” which were published by the Daily FT on 13 February 2025 and 20 February 2025 respectively, gave a detailed account of the damaging effects faced by victims of the continuing noise pollution over the years. Residents in several areas, both in and outside the city, have for periods of time, been subjected to intense noise forced upon them.

Dr. Wickramaratne has also, written about the more common problem of loud music from events conducted on the premises of various institutions, including schools and by loud fireworks.

We are surrounded by an invisible killer. One so common that we barely notice it shortening our lives. The answer is noise – and its impact on the human body goes far beyond damaging hearing. It is causing heart attacks, type 2 diabetes and studies now even link it to dementia.

“It is a public health crisis, we’ve got huge numbers of people exposed in their everyday life,” says Prof. Charlotte Clark, from St. George’s, University of London.

I would like to add to Dr. Wickramaratne’s articles by drawing attention to several other instances of unacceptable noise pollution, of which two are of serious concern: The first, the noise created by school bands. In the locality where I live, off Ananda Rajakaruna Mawatha, Colombo 9, residents have for years, been subjected to loud noise throughout the day, forced upon them by the school bands of two prominent education institutions, one the leading Methodist Boys’ School in Colombo, and the other, a leading Buddhist boys’ school, which is situated in the same area. The noise created by the bands which start during the early hours of the day, often continue late into the evening, even during weekends, makes it difficult, if not impossible for residents to engage in their daily activities. It is not music, but an incessant banging of drums and a clash of cymbals.

I have on several occasions, complained to the Management of the Methodist boys’ school regarding the disruption and distress that is caused by the school’s band, to no avail.

The second matter is the continuous disturbance caused by vendors who use amplified sound. These include ice cream vendors, bread vendors, milk vendors, hardware and used item vendors, lottery ticket vendors, and many others. These vendors visit neighbourhoods most times, creating unacceptable noise, without care or concern about the disturbance and disruption that they cause.

The authorities, which include the Central Environmental Authority and the Police environmental department, must enforce the legal provisions that are available to deal with this long-standing nuisance to the public.

Unfortunately, laws which are available, are not enforced.

Yours faithfully,

Chullantè G. Jayasuriya