Business · Sri Lanka Bureau
Police clarify they do not participate in vehicle repossession operations
Sri Lanka Police have issued clarification on their role in vehicle repossession, emphasizing that officers do not directly participate in seizure operations conducted by finance and leasing companies. The statement addresses ongoing confusion about police involvement in such repossession procedures.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
The Sri Lanka Police Media Division has outlined the legal framework governing the repossession of vehicles and equipment by leasing and finance companies operating under domestic regulations. According to the clarification, the Finance Leasing Act No. 56 of 2000 provides the statutory authority for such repossession activities, establishing clear procedures that do not involve direct police participation in the actual seizure process.
Under the legislative framework, lessors and their authorized representatives are empowered to repossess vehicles and other financed equipment without requiring police officers to be present or involved in the physical removal of such assets. The distinction drawn by the Police Media Division seeks to clarify the separate roles and responsibilities delineated in the Finance Leasing Act.
The statement comes amid what appears to be public confusion regarding police responsibilities in repossession matters. By issuing this clarification, the Sri Lanka Police have attempted to establish precise boundaries between law enforcement operations and the civil repossession procedures carried out by financial institutions and their designated agents.
Finance and leasing companies are expected to comply with all applicable legal requirements when conducting repossession activities, though such operations do not fall within the mandate of police intervention or participation.