Sri Lanka to scrap current divorce law

Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said that the government is contemplating a new law known as 'no-fault divorce', aiming to replace the current divorce legislation entirely.

"The draft bill for 'no-fault divorce' has been finalized. This new legislation will empower courts to swiftly adjudicate divorce cases without prolonged trials, provided the marriage is irreparably broken," he stated.

Rajapakshe highlighted that legal frameworks are being established to recognize foreign court rulings on divorce through the Reciprocal Recognition, Registration, and Enforcement of Foreign Judgements Bill.

Addressing practical challenges in divorce proceedings, particularly regarding serving notices to respondents who have migrated, Rajapakshe noted that the recently passed Civil Procedure Code (Amendment) Bill includes provisions for electronic service of notices via platforms like email and WhatsApp.