## 🏠 Govt. Withdraws Occupants Bill for Stakeholder Review

The Sri Lankan Government has officially paused the legislative process for the controversial Protection of Occupants/Tenants Bill, signaling a strategic reset to address legal challenges and stakeholder concerns. • Legal Halt: The Attorney General’s Department informed the Supreme Court that the draft Bill, recently presented to Parliament, will be re-examined following multiple petitions challenging its provisions. • Consultation Period: The Justice Ministry has opened a one-month window (effective February 3) for public and stakeholder input to ensure the legislation aligns with sector needs. • Review Committee: A new committee—comprising the Attorney General’s Department, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), and ministerial appointees—will review the draft alongside the related Rent (Repeal) Bill. • Judicial Outcome: Following the Government’s commitment to a fresh consultative process, petitioners withdrew their cases, and the Supreme Court concluded the hearings. This move is seen as a critical step in balancing tenant protections with property rights, impacting the broader real estate and housing regulatory landscape. ---