FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – The Sri Lankan cabinet has approved a proposal to introduce new legal provisions aimed at regulating the country’s private security industry, according to Minister Nalinda Jayatissa.
The industry currently comprises approximately 1,050 agencies employing an estimated 150,000 workers across both state and private sectors. Presently, it is governed by the Regulation of Private Security Agencies Act No. 45 of 1998.
“It has been observed that the existing legal provisions are insufficient to effectively regulate these agencies and employees in a manner that meets current needs and ensures efficient service delivery,” Jayatissa informed reporters.
The government plans to ‘professionalize’ the workforce by aligning training with National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) levels and implementing a professional code of ethics, Jayatissa added.
The proposed legal provisions will address the registration and cancellation of agency licenses, as well as the issuance of firearm licenses. The existing law mandates that private security agencies must register and secure a license from a competent authority under the Ministry of Defence. It also regulates the industry by setting standards, ensuring proper training, and making it illegal to operate without authorization.
(Colombo/February 24/2026)
