Last week, entertainers, tourists, and hospitality industry stakeholders voiced their frustration over police-enforced shutdowns of late-night parties in Sri Lanka’s popular tourist hotspots.
Social media erupted with complaints, including one from a foreign tourist attending an event at a hotel in Matara. She shared a video lamenting the abrupt end of the music at 10 pm.
“There are hundreds of people here, and no DJ. This is ridiculous; the dance floor is empty. The party was supposed to go until midnight,” she said.
The enforcement stems from a Supreme Court decision. The National Environmental (Noise Control) Regulations, made under a National Environmental Act set strict noise level limits for different zones during day and night. For instance, in mixed residential or commercial areas, noise levels must not exceed 63 dB during the day and 55 dB at night, while in rural residential areas, the limits drop to 55 dB and 45 dB. Silent zones — areas near schools, hospitals, and sacred sites — have even stricter limits, capped at 50 dB during the day and 45 dB at night.
Khazim Miskin of the local musical group ‘The Soul’, says the issue is a two-way street. “It definitely needs some creative and sensitive solutions that will address every stakeholder’s concerns and pleas”.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath told guests at an event on Friday (24), that antiquated laws will be amended to promote tourism. “Two days ago Police ordered the music turned off at a tourist hotel. Foreigners and misinformed locals blamed the Government saying that we ordered the sound system to be turned off by 10 pm. This is false. The reason is a Supreme Court order issued years ago. These laws are an obstacle to promote tourism; therefore, we will amend them to permit tourists to better enjoy themselves”.
Police Spokesman SSP K.B. Manathunga told the Sunday Observer yesterday (25) that the Police are simply enforcing the law. “According to the Supreme Court order loudspeakers can only be used till 10 pm on weekdays, 1 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 12.30 am on Sundays. “It’s the residents who complain about the loud music, asking us to implement the Supreme Court decision. At a meeting, Cabinet Spokesman, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the Government is working on amending the law.
Meanwhile, a hotel owner said that a significant portion of tourists are from Europe, particularly along the coastal areas, drawn by the country’s beaches, and vibrant entertainment scene — especially electronic music. “This genre resonates with the young European crowd. Electronic music events not only attract international artists with large followings but also create a ripple effect that benefits local economies. Venues hosting these events provide jobs for sound and lighting technicians, bar staff, cleaners and managers. Small businesses such as shops, tuk-tuk drivers, and street vendors benefit from the influx of tourists, creating a thriving ecosystem where entire villages become hubs for tourism. This circulation of money directly supports livelihoods and contributes significantly to the local economy.”
