Complete Guide to Form 18 – Consent and Certificate of Directors in Sri Lanka

Keywords: Form 18 Sri Lanka, director consent form, company director registration, e-ROC Form 18, Pvt Ltd company director

Introduction

After submitting Form 1 for your Pvt Ltd company registration in Sri Lanka, the next critical step is Form 18 – Consent and Certificate of Directors.

Form 18 is a legal requirement under the Companies Act. It confirms that each appointed director:

• Consents to act as a director
• Meets legal requirements
• Is aware of responsibilities and obligations

Filling Form 18 correctly ensures smooth incorporation and compliance with Sri Lankan company laws.

What is Form 18?

Form 18, or the Consent and Certificate of Directors, is a declaration that each director agrees to take on their role in the company.

Key purposes:

1. Confirms director consent
2. Verifies legal eligibility
3. Records director details in official RoC records

Without Form 18, the Registrar of Companies will not approve company incorporation, making it an essential part of the registration process.

Who Should Fill Form 18?

• Every individual appointed as a director of a Pvt Ltd company
• Both local and foreign directors
• Directors who are being added after incorporation

Note: Each director must submit a separate Form 18.

Details Required in Form 18

When completing Form 18, you must provide the following information:

1. Personal Information of Director
   • Full name (as per NIC or passport)
   • National Identity Card (NIC) or Passport number
   • Date of birth
   • Contact details (phone and email)
2. Address Details
   • Province, district, divisional secretariat division
   • Grama Niladhari division and postal code
3. Director Consent Declaration
   • Statement confirming willingness to act as a director
   • Acknowledgment of responsibilities under the Companies Act
4. Signatures
   • Director’s signature
   • Witness signature (if required)
5. Company Information
   • Company name
   • Registered office address

Step-by-Step Instructions to Fill Form 18

Step 1: Download Form 18

• Access Form 18 via the e-ROC online portal
• Use a PDF reader for editing

Step 2: Complete Personal Details

• Enter accurate personal information matching NIC or passport

Step 3: Fill Address Details

• Include all divisions and postal codes correctly
• Ensure contact info is up-to-date

Step 4: Director Consent Declaration

• Carefully read the declaration
• Confirm willingness to act as a director

Step 5: Sign the Form

• Director signs in the correct section
• Witness signature may be required for verification

Step 6: Upload Form to e-ROC

• Save as PDF
• Upload during company registration along with Form 1 and Form 19

Government Fees for Form 18

Note: Fee applies per director. Bank processing fees may also apply.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Missing or illegible signatures
2. Incorrect NIC/passport numbers
3. Incomplete personal or contact details
4. Uploading non-PDF formats
5. Using a non-resident address for local directors

Tips for Smooth Form 18 Submission

• Verify details match your NIC or passport
• Use high-quality PDF scans for uploads
• Ensure all directors submit Form 18 individually
• Keep a copy for company records

Conclusion

Form 18 is a mandatory legal step for every director of a Pvt Ltd company in Sri Lanka. Proper completion ensures:

• Legal compliance for company registration
• Accurate director records at the RoC
• Smooth subsequent incorporation steps

By carefully following this guide, directors can avoid delays and rejections, helping the company secure incorporation efficiently.