The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, the Bill has only had its First Reading; Second Reading has not yet been taken. It is a Tenant Protection Bill. It is good to have discussion on a Bill; that improves it. But if the discussion is politicized, fueled by hate, based on not reading the Bill, or just on Facebook posts, then those who neither contributed to drafting nor understand the Bill try to destroy it. That is what is happening now. Loud claims are often false—we see that even here.

¶ 02 The main rumours are: after this Bill passes, no one will rent out houses; landlords will not be able to evict tenants; therefore companies building and renting housing will collapse. These are untrue. Some lawyers—even those who can’t seem to read properly—spread such claims. Let me clarify.

¶ 03 Consider: I rent my house to Mr. Jayasinha for two years. If after two years he does not vacate, that is illegal. Can I evict him? Yes—certainly. This Bill does not protect unlawful occupants. Second scenario: I rent for two years but I want him out after one year. I can use the contract’s two-month notice clause to terminate lawfully. If he does not leave after proper notice, that too is illegal; the tenant gets no protection under this Bill.

¶ 04 So, who is this Bill for? Read clauses 2, 3, and 4. It addresses situations where, without a court order, a landlord acts highhandedly: cutting electricity or water, obstructing common facilities, or preventing essential repairs, to force the tenant out. In such instances, the victimized tenant should be protected by law—protection against unlawful, self-help eviction tactics. This is for landlords acting above the law.

¶ 05 This is not a Bill brought secretly. We gazetted it on 18 September 2025 for the public to see and propose amendments. No one went to the Supreme Court challenging it then. We also published advertisements in all three languages from 4 November 2025 to 15 January 2026 and uploaded the Bill on the Ministry website to obtain views. Only three submissions came—urging speedy enactment. On 27 October 2025 we wrote to the Bar Association requesting its views; though delayed, they have now sent written proposals on 30 December, which we will consider. I have reconvened a committee under my Legal Secretary to review them, and we are extending time by another month to gather more input. We want the best law to protect people—not to bulldoze this through. The Bill will go to Second Reading only after considering reasonable proposals.

¶ 06 If some do not read the Government newspapers, we will use other media. To those renting houses as a business: proceed—this Bill does not harm you. This Bill only prevents illegal, highhanded evictions without court orders—cutting utilities, harassment, etc. If there are technical overlaps with the 2023 Act or drafting issues, we will fix them. We are modest and open to changes.