SRI LANKA: AHRC Intervenes to Support Residence of Depanama, Pannipitiya to Stop Sound Pollution- Published on Mach 20,2018.

A Statement by the Asian Human Rights Commission SRI LANKA: AHRC Intervenes to Support Residence of Depanama, Pannipitiya to Stop Sound Pollution March 20, 2018 Inspector general of Police, Police Headquarters Colombo Sri Lanka Fax Number: +94 112440440 Re: Complaint against Sound Pollution caused by temple authorities at Sri Devram Maha Viharaya, Pannipitiya Dear Sir, I am writing this on behalf of the Asian Human Rights Commission. Our commission has revived a complaint from about 35 local residents of Pannipitiya. The residnets have come to know about Sri Devram Maha Viharaya, Pannipitiya having hired some criminal elements for mounting loudspeakers on the electric light posts in their residential areas. The loudspeakers are to be used for loud noise during religious procession organised by the temple authorities. We understand that the police has permitted the use of loudspeakers only inside the temple premises. However, the temple authorities are attempting to do it even outside, in the public area, by force by use of criminal elements to get it done. We are kindly requesting you to immediately intervene in order to stop this act that will greatly inconvenience the local residents. Further, the involvement of the criminal elements in this act creates likelihood of breach of peace and possible outbreak of violence. This dispute between the said temple authorities and the people living in Pannipitiya area has been continuing for some time and the residents have repeatedly complained against it to the police and other authorities but to no avail. Many of the residents who have complained are former state and private sector employees who are now in retirement. There are several persons suffering from old age related ailments. They have suffered sound pollution during such processions in the past. They cannot rest in their houses and cannot sleep due to such noise pollution. Therefore, we once again request you to urgently intervene in the issue and ensure that such loudspeaker assault does not take place. Your Sincerly Bijo Francis Director Cc/ 1. Assistant Superintendent of the Police, Nugegoda 2. Officer in charge, Police Station, Maharagama # # # The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) works towards the radical rethinking and fundamental redesigning of justice institutions in order to protect and promote human rights in Asia. Established in 1984, the Hong Kong based organisation is a Laureate of the Right Livelihood Award, 2014. Read this Statement online Visit our website with more features at www.humanrights.asia. You can make a difference. Please support our work and make a donation here. ----------------------------- Asian Human Rights Commission G/F 52 Princess Margaret Road Ho Man Tin, Kowloon Hongkong S.A.R. Tel: +(852) 2698-6339 Fax: +(852) 2698-6367 Web: www.humanrights.asia twitter/youtube/facebook: humanrightsasia powered by phpList2.10.19, © phpList ltd 3 Attachments Preview YouTube video The Activist