Colombo, Sri Lanka, July 28 -- Ministry of Defence and Urban Development issued the following news release:

A special discussion on strengthening the regulatory framework governing private security firms and amending the relevant legislation was held on 28 July at the Ministry of Defence.

The meeting was chaired by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), and the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) also attended the meeting.

The discussion focused on identifying the shortcomings and gaps in the existing legal framework governing private security firms, with a view to introducing comprehensive amendments to enhance regulation, oversight and effective implementation. Particular attention was given to the current status of private security firms operating across the country, strengthening the legal and regulatory framework, aligning the legislation with present-day requirements and addressing key challenges affecting the sector.

Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Minister of Defence emphasized that the private security sector plays a significant role in protection of both public and private property. He underscored the importance of ensuring greater transparency in the registration of private security agencies and maintaining their operations in strict compliance with the law and established regulatory procedures.

The discussion also highlighted the need to recruit professionally trained security personnel, implement mandatory security clearance procedures, safeguard the rights and welfare of employees, ensure the provision of fair salaries and employment benefits, and introduce standardized professional training programmes. These measures are expected to be incorporated into the proposed legislative amendments to establish a more accountable, efficient and professionally regulated private security sector.

The meeting was attended by the Additional Secretary (Civil Security and Development) of the Ministry of Defence, officials of the Department of Labour, senior officers of the Sri Lanka Police, and other key stakeholders associated with the private security sector.

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.