Sri Lanka Police have urged property owners to exercise vigilance when renting or leasing houses, apartments, commercial buildings, and other premises, as such properties may be misused for fraudulent and criminal activities.
Issuing a statement, the Police said that it has been observed that certain individuals and organized groups obtain residential and commercial properties on a short-term or long-term rental basis and use them to carry out a range of unlawful activities.
Pointing out that in many instances, owners are unaware of the illegal operations taking place on their premises, the Police said that as a result, they may face significant legal complications and, in some cases, criminal liability.
The Police further state that during the past year and up to 2026, there has been a notable increase in the arrest of foreign nationals involved in sophisticated online financial fraud operations.
These activities have been conducted covertly from housing complexes, hotels, and lodges in various parts of the island. In several cases, suspects were found to be in violation of the Department of Immigration and Emigration regulations, and computers and other electronic equipment used in the commission of these offences were seized. The Department of Immigration and Emigration and the Sri Lanka Police have taken legal action against those responsible, they said.
As such, the Police cautioned that to safeguard themselves from such situations, members of the public are advised to take note of the following:
- Under Section 76 of the Police Ordinance, the police are empowered to obtain information regarding all individuals residing in a household.
- The head of the household is required to provide details of family members, domestic staff, and temporary occupants to the relevant police station.
- Any change in occupancy, including the arrival or departure of residents, must be promptly reported to the nearest police station.
- Failure to comply with these legal requirements constitutes a punishable offence.
The Police further stated that information regarding suspicious premises or individuals may also be reported through the members of the Public Safety Committees established within each police division.
Property owners are strongly advised to verify the identity, background, and purpose of prospective tenants before entering into rental or lease agreements. Taking these precautions can significantly reduce the risk of fraud and other criminal activities and help owners avoid unnecessary legal and personal difficulties, they advised.
The Sri Lanka Police went on to state that it continues to conduct ongoing operations to detect and apprehend those involved in such offences.
They added that the public is requested to report any information concerning local or foreign fraudsters, smugglers, criminals, or any unlawful and anti-social activities to the police emergency hotlines 119 or 118, or to the nearest police station without delay. (Newswire)