- Important Sri Lankan laws you probably didn’t know existed
You don’t need to be a lawyer to know the law. In Sri Lanka, like in most countries, there are certain laws that affect your everyday life, from the way you use your phone to how loud your birthday party is. If you are someone who is just vibing through life, here is your sign to stop and take a look at some surprising laws that exist in Sri Lanka.
You can get into trouble for what you post online
In Sri Lanka, the Online Safety Act and Computer Crime Act can get you into serious trouble if you post false, harmful, or offensive content on social media. This includes WhatsApp, Instagram, or TikTok. And yes, like every other violation, there is a punishment which can range from a small fine to Rs. 500,000. In more serious cases, you might even be arrested.
Littering is actually illegal
Littering is a well-known bad habit, but did you know it’s actually a punishable offence under the National Environmental Act? If you litter in Sri Lanka, you could be fined between Rs. 750 and Rs. 1,500 or sometimes even more.
Public affection is against the law?
Surprising, isn’t it? But it’s true. Even though a hug or a quick kiss might seem harmless, in certain public areas, this can be seen as indecent behaviour. While not always strictly enforced, it’s something to be mindful of, especially in crowded places.
Cheating on your exam can get you arrested
Ever cheated on an exam and thought, ‘What’s the harm?’ Well, you could be arrested. The Public Examinations Act mentions that anyone caught cheating or helping someone cheat in national exams like O/Levels or A/Levels can be fined or even taken to court. Perhaps it’s time to ask yourself: is cheating worth it?
Legal age of consent is 16
In Sri Lanka, the legal age of consent is 16. This means anyone under this age is legally considered too young to agree to any kind of sexual activity.
You need permission to fly a drone
Planning to take some cool drone shots for your travel vlog? Not so fast. Sri Lanka requires a permit to fly drones, especially near sensitive areas like religious sites or Government buildings.
Smoking in public is not allowed
Ever seen someone lighting up in a café or shop? That’s illegal. Under the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol Act, smoking in enclosed public spaces can lead to fines or even jail time.
You can’t drink unless you are 21
The legal drinking age in Sri Lanka is 21. Selling or giving alcohol to anyone under this age is illegal. That means even if your older cousin hands you a drink at a party, it’s still against the law.
You can’t keep certain pets without a permit
Love exotic animals? Be careful. You need permission from the Department of Wildlife Conservation to keep animals like monkeys, turtles, or parrots. Some species are protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance.
At the end of the day, you don’t need to memorise every law in the book. But knowing the basics can help you stay safe and informed, whether you are on social media, planning your next Instagram shoot, or just living your life. Always remember the laws that help keep you and the country safe.
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