The Southern Province Tourism Hotel Association has strongly opposed Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath’s recent statement suggesting that night music shows and discos should be allowed to continue for longer hours to boost the tourism industry. At a media briefing held in Galle yesterday (27), members of the association claimed that the Minister had been misled by a certain group and that his statement does not reflect the actual needs of tourists visiting Sri Lanka.
During the briefing, representatives of the tourism industry emphasized that noise pollution is a major concern among foreign tourists, many of whom choose Sri Lanka for its tranquility and natural beauty. They pointed out that excessive noise from discos and loud music events has led to many tourists leaving hotels prematurely, even requesting refunds for their bookings due to the disturbance.
Former Chairman of the Southern Province Tourism Hotel Association, Senaka de Silva, stated that noise pollution is a criminal offense under Sri Lankan law and that there are clear legal provisions and Supreme Court rulings that regulate sound levels. He criticized law enforcement agencies for failing to implement these regulations effectively.
“According to the law, no place can emit sound to the outside without proper authorization. There are strict conditions attached to obtaining a noise permit, including time restrictions and volume limitations. However, these rules are not being enforced properly. Tourists come to Sri Lanka to relax on the beaches, explore nature, and visit historical sites. They do not come for loud music and chaotic discos. The only people who frequent these loud events are those engaging in heavy alcohol and drug use. This is not the kind of tourism Sri Lanka needs to promote.”
He further added that nightclubs and disco organizers should be required to operate in soundproof venues or in locations away from residential and tourist areas, following international standards.
Indrajith Devasurendra, a long-time tourism operator in Unawatuna, expressed similar concerns. He highlighted that loud music events have been detrimental to the tourism industry, as tourists looking for a peaceful stay are forced to leave. He called for strict noise control measures to ensure that tourism remains a sustainable industry.
“I have been in this industry for over 20 years, and I have seen firsthand the damage caused by unchecked noise pollution. Tourists often check out of hotels and guesthouses early due to excessive noise. In Hikkaduwa, for instance, there are even road signs instructing buses not to honk because of tourist complaints. If discos and music shows must take place, they should be held in controlled environments, such as soundproof halls, rather than disturbing entire neighborhoods.”
Adding an international perspective to the issue, German national Nana Brelting, whose husband has been involved in the Sri Lankan tourism industry for years, emphasized that tourists choose Sri Lanka for its peaceful environment, not for its nightlife.
“Foreign tourists come here to enjoy nature and relaxation, but they are constantly disturbed by loud music, religious activities, and other noise pollution. In most developed countries, night music shows and discos are held in designated, soundproof venues to prevent disturbance. It is sad that Sri Lankan authorities do not seem to recognize the importance of this issue. If the noise problem is not addressed, the number of tourists coming to Sri Lanka will decline. Saying that tourists need loud music and discos is a complete misunderstanding of what they actually seek.”
The Southern Province Tourism Hotel Association confirmed that they have officially written to Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath, urging him to reconsider his stance. They emphasized that the growth of the tourism industry depends on maintaining a calm and peaceful environment rather than promoting noisy entertainment events.
The issue has sparked a broader debate on balancing entertainment offerings with the expectations of tourists who prefer a serene experience. Industry experts warn that failing to address these concerns could negatively impact Sri Lanka’s reputation as a top tourist destination.
