Category: Legislative Analysis
Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill – 2025
Overview: The “Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill – 2025” introduced by the Minister of Justice and National Integration seeks to modernize and streamline criminal procedures in Sri Lanka. It primarily introduces mechanisms for remote participation in court proceedings and clarifies the circumstances under which a suspect’s or accused’s physical presence in court may be dispensed…
New Proceeds of Crime Bill may raise constitutional concerns regarding the right to property
The Government of Sri Lanka’s decision to table the Proceeds of Crimes Bill reflects a strategic move to strengthen the country’s legal and institutional framework against financial crimes, corruption, and money laundering. This legislative initiative aligns with global anti-money laundering standards and seeks to enhance asset recovery mechanisms by empowering authorities to trace, seize, and forfeit illicitly acquired property. However, while the Bill is…
Acts and Ordinances (Consolidated) 2024
Acts and Ordinances of Sri Lanka revised and consolidated with all amendments up to 2024 ensures legal clarity, accessibility, and efficiency for lawmakers, legal professionals, businesses, and the public. It eliminates ambiguity caused by scattered amendments, reducing the risk of misinterpretation and outdated references. Find below the Key Acts and Ordinances revised and consolidated…
Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025
1. Introduction The Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to revise the Value Added Tax Act, No. 14 of 2002, by introducing new provisions for taxation, modifying tax structures, and eliminating existing schemes. This report provides an analysis of the key changes and their implications. 2. Key Amendments 2.1 Taxation on Non-Resident Electronic Service Providers…
Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill, 2025
1. Introduction The Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to modify key provisions of the Inland Revenue Act, No. 24 of 2017. The amendments primarily focus on tax refund timelines, tax rate adjustments, and exemptions applicable to personal and corporate income taxation. This report evaluates the implications of these changes on taxpayers, businesses, and government revenue.…
Bill for Demutualization of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE)
The Demutualization of the Colombo Stock Exchange Act aims to convert the CSE from a company limited by guarantee into a company limited by shares. This transformation is designed to enhance governance, transparency, and operational efficiency. The following report provides an analysis of the Bill 405/2018 presented by the Prime Minister and Minister of National…
Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill
Introduction The “Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill” was introduced in the Parliament of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on January 9, 2025. The primary purpose of this bill is to address procedural and administrative gaps arising from the postponement of local authority elections initially scheduled for March 9, 2023. It establishes provisions for…
Impact of the New Sri Lanka Telecommunications (Amendment) Act, No. 39 of 2024
1. Overview The “Sri Lanka Telecommunications (Amendment) Act, No. 39 of 2024” introduces significant changes to the 1991 principal enactment, focusing on regulatory oversight, market competition, consumer protection, and the management of telecommunications infrastructure. These amendments aim to modernize the regulatory framework, ensuring fair competition, technological advancements, and compliance with international standards. 2. Key Amendments…
New Bill for the Amendment of the Companies Act
New Bill for the Amendment of the Companies (Amendment) Act, No. 07 of 2007, presenting several key amendments. Below is an analysis and summary of the critical changes: Key Amendments: These amendments primarily aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and regulatory compliance, ensuring that the Companies Act is aligned with international standards and modern business practices.…
The Economic Transformation Act, No. 45 of 2024
The Economic Transformation Act, No. 45 of 2024, outlines Sri Lanka’s national strategy for economic growth, investment attraction, and global trade integration. This Act addresses challenges in the evolving global economy, establishing new institutions and policies for a robust, competitive economy. Key elements include:
Sri Lanka Electricity Act, No. 36 of 2024
The Sri Lanka Electricity Act, No. 36 of 2024, introduces comprehensive reforms across the electricity sector aimed at restructuring management, operations, and policy to improve efficiency, encourage investment, and support renewable energy goals. In essence, this Act is designed to modernize the electricity sector, fostering a sustainable, competitive environment that attracts investment and meets Sri…
Consolidated Civil Procedure Code (2024)
Download consolidated Civil Procedure Code with all amendments upto Act No. 43 of 2024. Free Download.
New Bill for Proceeds of Crime
New Bill to provide for the recovery of proceeds of crime; to provide for the investigation, restraint, forfeiture and disposal of proceeds of crime; to provide for the protection, preservation, management of restrained proceeds of crime; to establish the Proceeds of Crime Management Authority; to provide for inter-agency cooperation and international collaboration relating to the…
New Bill for the Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments
The Act aims to facilitate the reciprocal recognition, registration, and enforcement of foreign judgments in Sri Lanka. It repeals the Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Ordinance (Chapter 93) and the Reciprocal Enforcement of Judgments Ordinance (Chapter 94). Key Provisions Conclusion The Act provides a comprehensive framework for the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments in Sri…
Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers of Sri Lanka incorporated by an Act of Parliament
Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers of Sri Lanka (Incorporation) Act, No. 34 of 2024, was certified on June 19, 2024, by the Parliament of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Here is a summary of its key contents: The Act aims to ensure the Institute operates transparently, professionally, and in alignment with national and international…