Abstract:
Rent Law in the country has a history of over 78 years since
introduction of Rent Restriction Ordinance No: 60 of 1942 by the
then Ceylon State Assembly. The Rent Act No: 20 of 1948
introduced by the Government of Ceylon after independence in
1948, incorporated law relating to rent up to date and considered as
a comprehensive Rent Law till 1972. Rent Act No: 7 of 1972, more
concerned on tenants than landlords, introduced by the Democratic
Social Republic of Sri Lanka, repealed the former Ordinance and
considering as the current Rent Law of the country with two
amendments in 1980 and 2002, both were introduced by the then
governments with “Free Economic Policy”. First amendment in
1980 was somewhat capitalist that more leaning towards landlords
and the last amendment in 2020 has ultimately lead to close the
chapter of “protected tenant”. This article, attempt to see whether
the purpose of the Rent Act for safeguarding the interest of tenants
is still valid.
