13. Power of entry and inspection

Official English translation. Where it differs from the Sinhala or Tamil text, the Act itself says which text prevails.

(1)

Subject to the provisions of subsection (2), the

Competent Authority shall have the power to enter any premises at any reasonable time—

(a)

to carry out any survey, inspection or search for the purpose of determining whether—

(i)

any duties imposed by section 2 of this Act are being complied with by the occupier or owner of such premises; or

(ii)

any measures are necessary, and if so the extent to which they are necessary, for the elimination or the prevention of the breeding of mosquitoes;

(b)

to execute any work or measure required to be carried out under section 5 of this Act.

(2)

For the purpose of carrying out any survey, inspection or search under subsection (1), written consent to enter the premises shall be obtained —

(i)

where the premises concerned is a place of religious worship or is a place not open to the public, from the person in charge of such premises or any other competent person; or

(ii)

where the premises concerned is used as a place of private residence, from the owner or occupier of such residence.

(3)

Where a consent that is required to be obtained under subsection (2) is unfairly refused and the Competent Authority is satisfied that there is reason to suspect that any requirement imposed under this Act is not being complied with, the

Competent Authority may obtain from a Magistrate’s Court a search warrant for the purpose of entering such premises or private residence, as the case may be, and exercise all or any of the powers conferred upon him by such search warrant.

10 Prevention of Mosquito Breeding Act, No. 11 of 2007

Read on from s 14