Sri Lanka Police said it will intervene solely to maintain public order when a lessor or their authorized representative provides prior notice and requests police protection to obtain possession of equipment, including vehicles.

Issuing a statement today (26), the Police Media Division said the procedure to be followed by lessors, specifically leasing and finance companies, to obtain possession of equipment, including vehicles, subject to lease financing is prescribed under the Finance Leasing Act No. 56 of 2000. 

It said that all police officers have already been informed through official instruction circulars of the relevant legal provisions contained in the Act. 

The Sri Lanka Police will intervene solely to maintain public order when a lessor or their authorized representative provides prior notice and requests police protection, the statement clarified. 

“However, police officers do not participate in the actual repossession of a vehicle or other equipment. A lessor may take possession of the leased vehicle or equipment only where the lessee offers no resistance. If resistance is encountered during the repossession process, the lessor is required to institute legal proceedings before the relevant District Court in accordance with the provisions of the Act.” 

Sri Lanka Police said that any lessor or authorized agent who acts in contravention of the provisions of the Finance Leasing Act No. 56 of 2000 commits an offense under the law. 

When repossessions are carried out contrary to the prescribed legal procedure, the Sri Lanka Police will accept complaints lodged by lessees and conduct investigations, it said, adding that if such investigations reveal the commission of other offenses, including robbery, theft, or criminal trespass, appropriate legal action will be taken. 

In this regard, the Sri Lanka Police emphasized that police officers are authorized to intervene only in matters relating to lease agreements governed by the Finance Leasing Act No. 56 of 2000, in accordance with the provisions of that Act. There are no corresponding provisions authorizing police intervention in hire-purchase agreements governed by the Consumer Credit Act No. 29 of 1982.

The Sri Lanka Police urged all parties to act in accordance with the terms of their agreements with leasing or finance companies and to make every effort to preserve public peace.