New laws passed in Parliament

An order under the Transfer of Offenders Act and Regulations under the Debt Conciliation Ordinance received House approval yesterday.

According to the new provisions of the Transfer of Offenders Act, the Government of Sri Lanka will be able to exchange prisoners with Thailand. With Sri Lanka signing an agreement with the Thai Government in July last year, the prisoners of both countries will be able to spend the rest of their penalties in their native country, rather being held in a foreign prison.

The Regulations under the Debt Conciliation Ordinance allow a person in debt to repay the dues with flexibility. The new provisions will cover all lending institutions, as well as personal borrowings. Any person can obtain assistance from the Regulations under the Debt Conciliation Board, which has the power of a District Court, which allows repaying without any issue to the collateral. (AH)