A decision has been taken to immediately develop by-laws through the local government bodies of the Northern Province to regulate the use of high-intensity lighting equipment and fireworks during festivals and public celebrations, and to take further steps to formulate the necessary legal provisions at both provincial and national level.
This decision was reached at a high level discussion held today – on Tuesday 25 August 2026, at the Governor’s Secretariat, co-chaired by Hon. Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources R. Chandrasekhar and Hon. Governor of the Northern Province N. Vethanayahan.
The discussion focused on preventive measures needed to ensure such incidents do not recur, following the eye injuries suffered by more than 500 people during the Murugan Kovil festival at Pandaththarippu, Piranpattru area, on the 20th of this month, caused by high-intensity lighting and fireworks.
Opening the discussion, the Governor pointed out that with rapidly advancing technology, proper safety regulations are needed for newly introduced lighting equipment, lighting systems and other devices. He noted that the Pandatharippu incident stands as an important warning that such regulations can no longer be delayed.
Speaking on the occasion, Hon. Minister R. Chandrasekhar stated that the incident had caused serious impact on the community and that action must be taken to put in place the necessary regulations to prevent such incidents in future.
Dr. M. Malaravan, Consultant Eye Surgeon at Jaffna Teaching Hospital, presented copies of the medical report submitted to the Minister of Health and the Director of Health Services regarding the incident. He noted that this is the first time in Sri Lankan history that such a large-scale eye-injury incident caused by light has been recorded.
Following the festival, many were treated for symptoms including severe eye pain, redness, excessive tearing, inability to tolerate light, and inability to open the eyes. Of the approximately 500 people who received eye treatment, around 400 were treated at Jaffna Teaching Hospital and around 100 at private hospitals in Jaffna district. The medical report notes that about 386 people were admitted to Jaffna Teaching Hospital, of whom 114 were children between the ages of 2 and 12.
Following the incident, Jaffna Teaching Hospital immediately made emergency medical arrangements, keeping the Eye Ward and Eye OPD continuously operational and took steps to coordinate the transfer of patients from surrounding hospitals for treatment. The specialist noted that timely coordination between the Jaffna District Secretariat and the Office of the Regional Director of Health Services in bringing affected persons to hospital in time helped bring the situation under control.
Initial technical assessment indicates that the lights used at the festival appear to have been high-intensity discharge lamps, which the medical report notes are capable of producing very intense light along with ultraviolet radiation. It also emphasized the need to follow international photobiological safety standards to ensure the safe use of such lighting.
Dr. M. Malaravan also noted that all affected persons need to remain under continuous monitoring for about six months. Although no complications causing severe vision loss were recorded in this incident, medical specialists pointed out that direct exposure to such high-intensity light carries a risk of causing serious eye damage in future.
Dr. Malaravan further pointed out that some of the lighting equipment used at festivals is purchased online, and that some of these are also used for illegal fishing at sea. He noted that such lighting equipment also carries a risk of exploding with continued use, and stressed that future regulations should be framed comprehensively taking these risks into account.
Dr. Indranath, ENT Surgeon, pointed out that although legal provisions already exist for the use of loudspeakers at excessive volume, they are not fully followed in practice, and stressed the need to strengthen enforcement of noise-related regulations.
The discussion reached consensus on developing a by-law to regulate the use of lighting, fireworks, and the use of elephants during festivals and public celebrations. S. Sutharsan, Commissioner of Local Government, Northern Province, explained that in the absence of a Provincial Council, such by-laws can be developed with the Governor’s approval acting as Provincial Minister of Local Government and that they can be enforced by having Pradeshiya Sabha and Urban Councils adopt them within their respective councils.
Meanwhile, L.C. Ananth, Assistant Director of the Central Environmental Authority, stated that the Authority is preparing draft legislation to regulate the use of sound in public places.
Jaffna District Secretary M. Piiratheepan pointed out that social awareness and responsibility must be strengthened alongside these legal provisions, and stated that steps should be taken to build a sense of safety responsibility among temple administrations, sponsors, and other parties organizing events.
It was further agreed by the Minister and the Governor to hold prompt discussions with the Police regarding the full use of existing police powers to take action against public nuisance under current legal provisions.
The discussion emphasized that celebration should never be prioritized over safety at any future festival or public event, and that any activity posing a risk to public life and health must be undertaken subject to proper safety assessment and controls. The need to develop safety guidelines for religious and public events was also emphasized.
The discussion was attended by the Secretary to the Governor of the Northern Province, the Jaffna District Secretary, the Secretary of the Provincial Ministry of Local Government, the Commissioner of the Provincial Department of Local Government, the Regional Assistant Commissioner of Local Government, the Regional Director of Health Services – Jaffna, the Consultant Eye Surgeon, General Physician and ENT Surgeon of Jaffna Teaching Hospital, the Deputy Director of the Teaching Hospital, the Assistant Director of the Central Environmental Authority, the General Manager of the Northern Province Road Passenger Transport Authority, the Private Secretary to the Governor and the Coordinator of the Jaffna District Coordinating Committee.
