when seeking a government service?
Refuse the request and report it immediately. Your identity will remain confidential.
for Integrity
- A public official misusing their position or authority with corrupt intent for personal or unlawful gain
- Causing financial loss to the government or another party through corrupt intent
A bribe is anything not only money but a gift, favor or an advantage offered to or received by a public official to influence their official duties — whether given directly or through a third party.
Read More →- Fear of retaliation or being victimised by the same official
- Belief that the complaint won't be taken seriously or lead to action
- Lack of witnesses — bribery usually happens privately
- Transactions are rarely documented, making it harder to prove
CIABOC is fully committed to maintaining the confidentiality of all complainants. Your name and personal details will never be disclosed.
- 011-2596360 Telephone
- 076-7011954 SMS
- No. 36, Malalasekera Mawatha,
Colombo 07, Sri Lanka
for Integrity
அரசு சேவை மையங்கள்
Service Cluster
Assistive Devices Live Portal
Social Services Branch • Real-time Equipment Allocation System
Eligibility Criteria
Services are for registered persons with disabilities residing in Welipitiya DS Division. Family/Household gross monthly income must be below Rs. 16,491 to qualify.
Live Device Inventory
Connecting to Social Services Database...
Database Sync Unreachable
Unable to fetch live inventory data.
Process for Application
Follow these steps to apply at Welipitiya DS.
Medical Recommendation
Obtain prescription from government hospital doctor specifying exact device.
GN Income Check
Get Grama Niladhari certificate confirming income below Rs. 16,491.
Submit Application
Hand over certificates, NIC copy, and form to Social Services Desk.
Device Handover
Upon verification, devices are allocated based on live availability above.
Client Satisfaction Survey
Divisional Secretariat - Welipitiya
Anti-Corruption & Bribery
Stand Up. Report It. Stay Protected.
Bribery and corruption harm everyone. Learn your rights, understand what's an offence, and how to report — safely and confidentially.
Is a complainant's identity kept confidential?
Yes. Absolutely.
CIABOC is legally bound to protect the identity of anyone who reports bribery or corruption by a public officer — whether it involves requesting, receiving, offering, or obtaining assets unlawfully.
CORRUPTION
Have a complaint?
Hotline
What counts as a bribe?
A bribe is not just cash. Anything of value — given to influence an official's actions — qualifies.
- Money, cheques, or bank transfers
- Gifts — jewellery, electronics, food, alcohol
- Commission payments or kickbacks
- Job offers for the officer or their family
- Favourable loans, discounts, or credit
- Sexual gratification — explicitly included under the Act
Why don't people report bribery?
Unlike a robbery or assault, bribery often benefits both sides — so neither party wants to speak up. High-profile cases often involve powerful business people reluctant to come forward.
That silence lets corruption grow. Your confidential report — even anonymous — breaks the cycle.
3 ways to report
- Call 1954 — free, 24/7 hotline
- SMS 076 701 1954 — message from your phone
- Online at ciaboc.gov.lk — submit a written complaint
- In person — visit CIABOC or this DS office
- Anonymous complaints accepted — you don't need to give your name
What is corruption?
Corruption is when a public official dishonestly misuses their position or authority — to cause loss to the government or another person, or to gain an unfair benefit for themselves or someone else.
What is a conflict of interest?
When a public officer uses their position to favour relatives, friends, or associates. This is a gateway offence — it often leads to full corruption.
- Awarding contracts to a family member's company
- Approving permits for a business owned by a friend
- Making decisions in matters where you have a personal financial interest
Unexplained wealth
If a public officer's lifestyle, property, or assets are clearly beyond what their salary could support, CIABOC can investigate — even without a specific complaint being filed.
All public servants are required to declare their assets and liabilities annually. Failure to do so, or submitting a false declaration, is a criminal offence.
What happens after you report?
Complaint Received
CIABOC logs and assesses your complaint. Identity kept confidential.
Investigation Opened
CIABOC investigators gather evidence, summon witnesses, and examine records.
Assets Frozen
CIABOC can freeze bank accounts and assets during investigation — independent of the police.
Referred for Prosecution
If evidence is sufficient, the case is sent to the Attorney General.
High Court Trial
Tried before a judge (no jury). Conviction leads to imprisonment, fines, and dismissal.
Penalties Under the Bribery Act
| Offence | Imprisonment | Additional Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Accepting a bribe (public officer) | Up to 7 years | Dismissed from service · Barred from public office · Loss of pension |
| Offering or giving a bribe | Up to 7 years | Civil recovery of any benefit obtained |
| Corruption / abuse of power | Up to 7 years | Forfeiture of assets · Criminal record |
| Unexplained wealth | Up to 5 years | Forfeiture of unexplained assets to the state |
| Failure to declare assets | Up to 2 years | Disciplinary proceedings |
| Filing a false complaint | Liable to prosecution | Criminal record |
Business Registration
Register your sole proprietorship or partnership at this office · Company incorporation handled online via eROC · All post-registration compliance guidance in one place
Sole Proprietorship
One owner, simplest structure. Register the business name at this DS office if different from your full legal name.
Partnership
Two or more owners sharing profits and liability. Business name registered at this DS office.
Private Limited Company
Limited liability, separate legal entity. Incorporated online via the eROC portal with the Registrar of Companies.
After Registration
TIN, VAT, EPF/ETF, trade licence — all the compliance steps every business must complete after registering.
A sole proprietorship is the simplest and most common business structure in Sri Lanka. If you operate under your full legal name (e.g., "W.K. Kamal Perera"), registration is not legally required. However, if you use a trade name (e.g., "Welipitiya Hardware Suppliers"), you must register that name at this DS office within 14 days of starting business under the Business Names Ordinance. Registration does not create a separate legal entity — you and your business remain one and the same in law.
- 1
Visit this DS office and collect the Business Name Registration Form (BNR-01). Also collect the application form for a Grama Niladhari (GN) Report on your business location.
- 2
Submit the GN form to your Grama Niladhari officer. The GN will inspect the business premises and issue a certified report. This report confirms the location of your business.
- 3
Complete BNR-01 accurately and sign it with your personal name (not your trade name). Gather all required documents (see right).
- 4
Submit the completed forms, GN report, and all supporting documents to this DS office counter. Pay the registration fee at the Shroff counter (fee determined by the Southern Provincial Council).
- 5
The Divisional Secretary issues the Certificate of Registration of Business Name once documents are verified — typically 1–2 weeks if all documents are in order.
- 6
Display your Certificate of Registration prominently at your place of business. You are now legally operating under your registered trade name.
- Completed BNR-01 Form — Business Name Registration Form (collect from this DS office)
- NIC — original and certified photocopy
- GN Report — certified report from your Grama Niladhari confirming the business location
- Proof of business address — one of: property deed (if owned), lease/rental agreement (if rented), utility bill in your name, or a consent letter from the property owner if using someone else's premises
- Registration fee — payable at the Shroff counter; amount set by the Southern Provincial Council (confirm current amount at the counter before visiting)
Sole proprietorship registration is limited to Sri Lankan citizens and permanent residents. Foreign nationals — including those on valid visas or temporary residency — cannot register a sole proprietorship. They must incorporate a Private Limited Company through the Department of the Registrar of Companies.
Changes to your registered details — such as a change of business address, business name, or nature of business — must also be reported to this DS office. There is no annual renewal requirement, but any changes must be registered promptly.
A partnership is formed when two or more individuals come together to run a business for profit, sharing resources, responsibilities, and earnings. Like a sole proprietorship, partners face unlimited personal liability — if the business owes debts, personal assets can be seized to settle them. While partners can technically operate without registering, registration is strongly recommended to establish legal rights, protect the business name, and access banking and contracts. Registration is done at this DS office.
- 1
Obtain the Business Name Registration Form from this DS office. Also collect the GN Report application form for the business address.
- 2
Draft a Partnership Agreement signed by all partners. While not always legally mandatory for registration, it is strongly recommended — it protects all partners by clearly defining capital contributions, profit/loss sharing ratios, roles, and dissolution procedures.
- 3
Submit the GN Report application to the Grama Niladhari of the division where the business is located. The GN will inspect and certify the business address.
- 4
Obtain a Trade Permit from the nearest Municipal Council, Urban Council, or Pradeshiya Sabha if required for your type of business activity.
- 5
Submit the completed registration form, GN report, trade permit (if applicable), all partners' NICs, and the partnership agreement to this DS office. Pay the registration fee.
- 6
The Certificate of Registration of Business Name is issued — typically within 7–14 working days of submission if all documents are complete.
- Completed Business Name Registration Form — signed by all partners
- NIC of all partners — original and certified photocopy for each
- GN Report — certified by the Grama Niladhari of the business location
- Proof of business address — deed, lease agreement, utility bill, or consent letter from property owner
- Trade Permit — from the relevant local authority (Municipal/Urban Council or Pradeshiya Sabha) if the business activity requires it
- Partnership Agreement — signed by all partners (strongly recommended; required by most banks to open a business account)
- Registration fee — payable at the Shroff counter
If any partner changes, or the business address or name changes, report the change to this DS office promptly. No annual renewal is required, but unregistered changes can cause legal complications — especially if the business is ever in dispute.
A Private Limited Company is a separate legal entity from its owners (shareholders). This means your personal assets are protected from business debts — your liability is limited to the value of your shares. It is the preferred structure for businesses that plan to grow, take on investment, or enter into significant contracts. The entire incorporation process is now fully online through the eROC portal at eroc.drc.gov.lk — no visit to the Registrar of Companies is required. This DS office does not handle company incorporation; we can guide and advise.
- 1
Create a free account at eroc.drc.gov.lk using a valid email address. All DRC communications will go to this email.
- 2
Reserve your company name — search the eROC database to confirm the name is available, then submit a Name Reservation request. Pay the Rs. 2,000 name approval fee online. You will receive a decision within 2–3 business days.
- 3
Once the name is approved, generate Forms 1, 18, and 19 directly from your eROC dashboard. Enter details of all directors, shareholders, and the company secretary. Prepare the Articles of Association (you can use the standard model or a customised version).
- 4
Print and sign Forms 1, 18/19 (all directors and shareholders must sign) and the Articles of Association (initial shareholders must sign). Scan the signed documents and upload them to the eROC portal.
- 5
Pay the incorporation fee online through the eROC payment gateway. The fee is calculated automatically based on your company's structure and number of directors. No minimum share capital is required under Sri Lankan law — you can incorporate with even a single share.
- 6
The Registrar reviews the submission. Approval typically takes 5–7 business days. Once approved, the Certificate of Incorporation is emailed to you and available to download from your eROC dashboard. Physical certificates are no longer issued — the digital certificate with QR code is the official document.
- Company name — unique, not identical or confusingly similar to any existing registered company or overseas company
- At least one director — NIC or passport copy required; must be a real individual (not a company)
- At least one shareholder — can be the same person as the director; NIC or passport copy required
- A qualified company secretary who is a Sri Lankan resident — must be registered with the Institute of Chartered Secretaries or similar body (check DRC requirements)
- Registered office address in Sri Lanka — the official address for all legal correspondence
- Articles of Association — standard model from the Companies Act First Schedule, or a customised version
- Credit/debit card for online payment of name reservation (Rs. 2,000) and incorporation fees
eROC public days are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday (as of January 2026). Contact the DRC at 011 268 9615 / 208 / 209 for specific queries. After incorporation you must also register your company for income tax (TIN) with the IRD — see the After Registration section below.
| Feature | Sole Proprietorship | Partnership | Private Limited (Pvt Ltd) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of owners | 1 owner only | 2 or more partners | 1 to 50 shareholders |
| Legal identity | Not separate — owner and business are one | Not separate — partners and business are one | Separate legal entity from shareholders |
| Personal liability | Unlimited | Unlimited | Limited to share value |
| Where to register | This DS office | This DS office | Online — eROC portal (eroc.drc.gov.lk) |
| Time to register | 1–2 weeks | 7–14 working days | 5–7 business days (online) |
| Minimum capital | None | None | None (even 1 share) |
| Tax treatment | Business profit taxed as personal income (progressive rates 0–36%; first Rs. 1.8 M tax-free) | Profits taxed as personal income of each partner | Corporate income tax — standard rate 30%; concessional 14% for exports/IT/agriculture; 18% for manufacturing |
| Annual renewal | Not required | Not required | Annual Return (Form 15) must be filed with the DRC |
| Foreign ownership | Not permitted | Subject to foreign investment regulations — seek legal advice | Permitted (subject to BOI/sectoral rules) |
| Best suited for | Freelancers, small traders, micro-enterprises | Small businesses with 2–5 trusted partners | Growth businesses, those needing investment or contracts |
Obtaining your business registration certificate is only the first step. Depending on your business type, turnover, and whether you employ staff, several additional registrations and licences are required. The key post-registration steps are outlined below.
TIN — Taxpayer Identification Number
Register with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) for a TIN at ird.gov.lk or the Matara IRD office. Required for all income tax filing, invoicing, and most government transactions. Free of charge. Nearest IRD office: Matara.
Mandatory for all businessesVAT Registration
Register for VAT with the IRD only if your annual turnover exceeds the mandatory registration threshold. Current standard VAT rate: 18%. Once registered, charge VAT on taxable supplies and file quarterly VAT returns via RAMIS.
Only if turnover exceeds thresholdEPF & ETF Registration
If you hire even one employee, you must register as an employer with the Department of Labour within 14 days (Form D). EPF contributions: employer 12% + employee 8% of monthly salary. ETF: employer 3% only. Remit monthly to the Central Bank.
Mandatory if any employee is hiredTrade Licence
Obtain a trade licence (trade permit) from the local authority where your business operates — either the Matara Municipal Council, Urban Council, or Pradeshiya Sabha, depending on location. Required for most physical business premises.
Required by local authorityAPIT — Employee Tax Withholding
Employers must withhold Advance Personal Income Tax (APIT) from employee salaries and remit to the IRD by the 15th of the following month. File monthly returns via RAMIS. Annual returns due by 30 April.
Mandatory if any employee is hiredSSCL
The Social Security Contribution Levy (SSCL) of 2.5% applies if your quarterly turnover exceeds Rs. 15 million (annual Rs. 60 million). Calculated on turnover, not profit. Register with the IRD if this threshold is met.
Only if turnover exceeds thresholdBusiness Bank Account
Opening a dedicated business bank account is not legally mandatory for sole proprietors, but is strongly recommended for clean bookkeeping and tax compliance. Banks will typically require your Certificate of Registration, NIC, and (for partnerships) the Partnership Agreement.
Strongly recommendedInvoicing Requirements
All businesses must issue sequentially numbered invoices for all sales and services, showing the registered business name, address, and TIN (if applicable). VAT-registered businesses must issue tax invoices showing VAT separately.
Mandatory for all businesses- Sole proprietors pay personal income tax on business profits. First Rs. 1,800,000 per year is tax-free. Rates above that range from 6% to 36% in progressive bands.
- Partnerships — profits distributed to partners are taxed as personal income of each partner at the same progressive personal income tax rates.
- Private limited companies pay Corporate Income Tax (CIT) — standard rate 30%; concessional 14% for exports, agriculture, IT; 18% for manufacturing and tourism; 45% for gaming, betting, liquor, tobacco.
- Income tax returns for individuals (including sole proprietors) are filed annually with the IRD via RAMIS.
| Fund | Employer | Employee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPF (Central Bank of SL) | 12% of salary | 8% of salary | 20% |
| ETF (ETF Board) | 3% of salary | None | 3% |
EPF and ETF contributions are due by the last working day of the following month. Late EPF payments attract penalties from 5% (a few days late) up to 50% (over 12 months late). Register with the Department of Labour within 14 days of hiring your first employee — even part-time, casual, or apprentice workers are covered.
Ready to Register Your Business?
Collect your forms and visit the Business Registration counter at this office. We can guide you through the process and help you prepare the correct documents before you visit.
