The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to introduce new legal provisions to strengthen the regulation of private security agencies and their employees.

According to the Government Information Department, nearly 150,000 personnel are currently employed by around 1,050 private security agencies providing services to public and private sector institutions across the country.

At present, the sector is governed by the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, No. 45 of 1998. However, authorities have observed that the existing legal framework is no longer sufficient to effectively regulate the industry or ensure acceptable service standards.

In response, the Government has proposed updated legislation aimed at improving oversight and enhancing professionalism within the sector.

The proposed provisions will focus on strengthening procedures related to the registration of private security agencies, the cancellation of licences, and the issuance of firearms licences to authorised entities.

The reforms will also introduce a classification system for security services based on the nature of duties performed, establish structured training programmes for personnel, and implement a code of ethics.

In addition, the proposal includes creating training opportunities aligned with National Vocational Qualification levels to improve skills development and professional standards among security officers.

The proposal to introduce the new legal provisions was submitted by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as the Minister of Defence.