Public consultation on amendments to the Rent Act until March 4th

The Ministry of Justice and National Integration has taken steps to further extend the period for public consultation on the Draft Bill to Repeal the Rent Act No. 07 of 1972 and the Draft Bill to Protect Residents, until March 04.

Ms. Ayesha Jinadasa, Secretary to the Ministry of Justice and National Integration, President's Counsel, requests any parties wishing to comment on the relevant draft bills to promptly submit their written comments and proposals to the Ministry. A special committee, headed by the Additional Secretary (Legal) of the Ministry, has been appointed to investigate these written comments received from the public and various organizations, and this committee is scheduled to consider the relevant matters.

The Ministry states that these two draft bills, prepared by an expert committee, were published in the Gazette on September 18, 2025, following a formal procedure. Subsequently, from November 04, 2025, to January 15, 2026, publicity was given through the Ministry's official website and newspapers to obtain public comments, proposals, and recommendations.

Furthermore, the Ministry Secretary points out that by sending a letter to the Bar Association of Sri Lanka on October 27, 2025, they were informed to submit their recommendations and proposals regarding these new laws. However, Ministry reports indicate that only two written comments were received regarding these draft bills within the initially provided timeframe.

Ms. Ayesha Jinadasa, President's Counsel, further stated that the Bar Association of Sri Lanka informed in writing on January 29 that more time is needed to comment extensively on these drafts, and several other organizations have also requested an extension for this matter. After considering these requests, it was decided to grant an additional month for public consultation, effective from February 03.