This guide is tailored for businesses located along the final stretch of the A9 Highway in the Jaffna Peninsula, where the local authority type changes significantly, impacting permit requirements.
Phase 1 & 2: National Incorporation (Common to All A9 Towns)
Regardless of whether your business is in Chavakacheri (UC) or Jaffna City (MC), national company registration is managed centrally and digitally via the eROC portal.
| Action | Details & Compliance | Total Fee (Incl. 18% VAT) |
| 1. Name Reservation | Secure your unique company name via eROC. | LKR 2,360.00 |
| 2. Statutory Filing | Submit Forms 1, 18, 19, and the Articles of Association. Must appoint a Resident Registered Company Secretary (mandatory). | Approx. LKR 14,160.00 + (per director) |
| 3. Final Certificate | Receive the Certificate of Incorporation digitally. | Included in above fees |
| 4. Tax Registration | Obtain a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) from the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) regional office in Jaffna or online. | Free |
Phase 3: Mandatory Local Compliance (A9 Town Breakdown)
Local licensing is determined by the specific administrative body governing the business address on the A9. The type of authority (Urban Council, Pradeshiya Sabha, or Municipal Council) dictates the stringency and fee structure for licenses.
| A9 Town Location | Governing Local Authority | Key Local Permit Requirement | Zoning & Planning Focus |
| Jaffna City Centre (Terminus) | Jaffna Municipal Council (JMC) | Annual Trade License (Most expensive fee structure) | Strict enforcement of urban planning, building aesthetics, and fire safety. |
| Kokuvil (Suburb) | Jaffna Municipal Council (JMC) | Annual Trade License | Focus on commercial density, waste management, and traffic flow off the highway. |
| Chavakacheri (Major Town) | Chavakacheri Urban Council (UC) | Annual Trade License (Moderate fee structure) | Focus on sanitation, market regulations, and building safety for the town center. |
| Mirusuvil / Kodikamam (Rural/Midway) | Pradeshiya Sabha (PS) (Likely Valikamam East PS/Chavakacheri PS) | Annual Trade License (Lower fee structure) | Focus on land use conversion (agricultural to commercial), environmental impact, and basic building safety. |
📝 Detailed Local License Steps (Common to all A9 Locations):
- Application: Submit an application form to the relevant local authority (JMC, UC, or PS) outlining the business activity, location, and premises details.
- Health Clearance: The Public Health Inspector (PHI) from the local Medical Officer of Health (MOH) will inspect the premises (mandatory for food/retail) and issue a Health Certificate.
- Fire Clearance: Required for large commercial spaces, factories, or high-risk businesses, obtained from the nearest Fire Brigade Unit.
- License Issuance: Upon satisfactory inspection and payment of the applicable annual fee, the Annual Trade License (or Business Permit) is issued.
🔑 KEY A9 INSIGHT: Businesses located directly adjacent to the A9 Highway must comply with Road Development Authority (RDA) setback regulations, especially concerning access points and large outdoor signage. Confirming this clearance is vital for construction/renovation approvals from the JMC/UC/PS.
🏆 Ensure A9 Compliance with 360 Accountants
The differences in compliance between a city-based Municipal Council and a rural Pradeshiya Sabha on the same highway can be confusing. 360 Accountants provides targeted assistance:
- National Registration: Handling all eROC submissions for a seamless incorporation process.
- Local Permit Navigation: We guide you through the specific license requirements of the JMC, UC, or PS that governs your exact location on the A9 corridor.
