Court earlier banned the use of loudspeakers in the evenings

Rev. Pannala Pannarathne thero of Welikadawatta Temple is accused of continuing with using loudspeakers despite a court order not to use them from 10pm (SLT) until 06am until further notice.

Although notice was issued for him to appear before the courts on Monday, the thero did not attend the hearing.

A three-bench panel chaired by the Chief Justice, Sarath Nanda Silva, ordered Welikada police to produce Pannaratne thero when the case will be taken for hearing on 15 September.

The Supreme Court banned the use of loudspeakers and amplifiers during nights on 09 November, last year.

The court made the interim order after considering a petition submitted by a group of residents in Weligama against sound pollution.

Those willing to use loudspeakers during this period for religious festivals should submit an application to the nearest magistrates court, the SC ruled.