Strict laws to control noise pollution from vehicle horns

IGP Pujith Jayasundara has been instructed to take stern action against vehicles fitted with horns which cause noise pollution, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) said.

These instructions were given at the meeting held at the MOD on Friday, convened on the directions of the President, and chaired by the Secretary Defence Hemasiri Fernando.

A number of short terms and long term decisions relating to creating a developed and disciplined country were taken up for discussion at the meeting, according to the MOD.

The DIG (Traffic) Ajith Rohana has been instructed to take measures to educate all police stations in the country to implement laws against vehicles violating regulations with horns of more than 105 decibels. In addition, holding a 'silent day' with the participation of school children, passengers and drivers were also discussed.

One of the highlights of the discussion was the agreement of all the private bus owners' associations and other institutions attending the meeting to the implementation of this law. Representatives of 22 institutions including IGP, Import and Export Controller, Sri Lanka Customs, Central Environmental Authority, Road Passenger Transport Authority and the National Transport Commission were present at the meeting.

The president of "Surakimu Sri Lanka" organisation Ven. Pahiyangala Ananda Thero was also present at the meeting