Restraining order issued on Kotte MC over noise pollution

 Colombo Additional Magistrate Manjula Rathnayake issued a conditional restraining order against five individuals, including the Municipal Commissioner of the Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte Municipal Council, prohibiting the use of loudspeakers or sound amplification equipment that causes noise pollution during events held at the Angampitiya Sports Grounds.

 

The order was issued following a complaint filed by five residents living in the vicinity of the grounds, who named the Municipal Commissioner and four others as respondents. 

 

President’s Counsel Nalinda Indatissa, appearing for the complainants informed court that the residents are experiencing severe disturbance due to excessive noise from events conducted at the grounds.

 

It was also brought to the court's attention that complaints have been made to the Welikada Police and that the Central Environmental Authority has been informed of the situation. 

 

The complainants  stated they do not object to the holding of events, but sought a court order to prevent the public nuisance caused by the excessive noise.

 

After considering the facts, the Magistrate issued a conditional restraining order under Section 98(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure Act No. 15 of 1979, preventing the conduct of events at the grounds in a manner that creates a public nuisance through loud noise. 

 

The respondents have been ordered to appear before court on May 7.