When it comes to company documentation in Sri Lanka, Form 20 is a commonly requested document—especially by banks and financial institutions. However, there is widespread confusion about what Form 20 actually represents and when it applies. In this article, we’ll clarify the purpose of Form 20, who needs it, and why not all companies—especially startups—have one.
✅ What is Form 20?
Form 20 is an official document filed with the Department of the Registrar of Companies (ROC) Sri Lanka that records changes in the company’s directors, company secretary, or the registered office address.
It must be submitted whenever such a change occurs in a registered company.
📌 What Changes Are Reported Through Form 20?
Form 20 is used to report the following updates:
- Appointment or resignation of directors
- Appointment or resignation of the company secretary
- Changes to the company’s registered office address
- Any alterations in the personal details of directors or secretaries (such as name changes)
Each time a relevant change occurs, a new Form 20 must be filed within the specified deadline—usually within 20 working days from the date of change.
🏢 Is Form 20 Mandatory for All Companies?
This is where most confusion arises. Form 20 is NOT a mandatory or recurring filing for all companies. It is only required when there is a change in the company’s key information as mentioned above.
So, if a company has not undergone any changes to its directors, secretaries, or registered office address since its registration, then there is no Form 20 on file—and that’s completely normal and compliant.
💼 Why Do Banks Often Ask for Form 20?
When opening corporate bank accounts or applying for credit facilities, banks typically ask for company documents to verify structure and compliance. Form 20 is often on their checklist as it provides up-to-date details about who is officially authorized to manage the company.
However, banks may mistakenly assume that all companies must have a Form 20, which is not true. Startups and newly registered companies usually don’t have any changes to report, so they won’t have this form available.
🚀 What If Your Company Doesn’t Have a Form 20?
If you’re asked for Form 20 and your company hasn’t filed one, you can simply explain that:
- No changes have occurred in your company’s directors or address since incorporation.
- Therefore, there is no Form 20 submitted to the ROC.
- You can offer alternative documents like the Form 1 (Incorporation document) and Form 18/19 (Appointment of Directors/Secretary) which were submitted at the time of registration.
🧾 Quick Summary
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| What is Form 20? | A form used to notify changes in directors, secretary, or registered office. |
| Who needs it? | Any company that undergoes changes in above categories. |
| Is it mandatory? | Only when changes occur. Not needed if nothing has changed. |
| Why banks ask for it? | To verify authorized personnel, but it’s not always applicable. |
| What to do if you don’t have one? | Clarify that no changes have occurred, and provide incorporation documents instead. |
✉️ Final Thoughts
Form 20 plays an important role in maintaining transparency and legal accuracy in a company’s record. But its absence doesn’t mean non-compliance—especially for new or unchanged companies. Understanding and communicating this clearly can save a lot of confusion during official documentation processes.
If you’re registering a new company or handling ROC filings, always stay informed on which forms apply to your situation. When in doubt, consult your company secretary or legal advisor to ensure proper compliance.
