Police announcement for those who rent or lease houses

According to a statement issued by the Sri Lanka Police Media Division on May 11, 2026, serious attention has been drawn to crimes and fraudulent activities occurring in relation to houses, apartments, lodges, and commercial buildings given on rent or lease.

The police state that it is essential for property owners to be vigilant in this regard, as it has been observed that certain individuals and groups who acquire these properties on a short-term or long-term basis use them for various crimes. There have been numerous reports of property owners of such buildings and houses facing various problems, including criminal charges, due to their properties being used for such unexpected fraudulent activities. The statement further mentions a trend where foreign nationals who have violated immigration and emigration laws have been staying in lodges and housing complexes in various parts of the island and committing online financial fraud from last year up to 2026.

The number of arrests of individuals who secretly committed crimes using computers and technical equipment has significantly increased, and the Sri Lanka Police and the Department of Immigration and Emigration have already taken legal action against such criminals. To protect against such crimes and illegal activities, it is extremely important for citizens to be aware of Section 76 of the Police Ordinance. According to these legal provisions, the police have the authority to obtain information about all individuals residing in any house. Accordingly, the head of the household must provide information regarding family members, domestic workers, and temporary residents to the relevant police station.

Furthermore, the homeowner or head of the household is obliged to inform the police whenever there is any change in residents, such as new individuals arriving or leaving, and failure to do so is considered a punishable legal offense. By carefully verifying the identity and purpose of individuals who acquire properties on rent or lease, it will be possible to prevent crimes and minimize potential problems for owners. If there is information about any suspicious place or person, there is an opportunity to promptly inform the police through the members of the Public Security Committees established in each police division. Additionally, the Sri Lanka Police urges the public to immediately inform 119 or 118, or the nearest police station, upon receiving information about illegal activities carried out by local or foreign criminals residing in residential areas.