Navigating the eROC portal and understanding mandatory compliance for Pvt Ltd company registration in Sri Lanka can generate a lot of questions. Here are the answers to the most common queries we receive about the 2026 process.
I. The Basics of eROC and Structure
1. What is eROC and how does it speed up registration?
A: The eROC (e-Registrar of Companies) is the official online portal that facilitates the entire incorporation process digitally. It allows for the electronic submission of statutory forms (Forms 1, 18, 19) and payment of fees, eliminating physical visits to the Department of the Registrar of Companies (DRC). This significantly reduces the typical incorporation timeline from weeks to days.
2. What is the minimum requirement for Directors and Shareholders?
A: A Private Limited Company in Sri Lanka can now be registered with:
- Minimum One (1) Director.
- Minimum One (1) Shareholder.
3. Do I need a Company Secretary, and if so, who can it be?
A: Yes, appointing a resident Registered Company Secretary is mandatory before incorporation (Form 19). They must be:
- A member of a recognized professional body (e.g., ICASL, CIMA, ACCA, etc.).
- A licensed attorney-at-law.
- A person approved by the Registrar of Companies.
II. Fees and Forms
4. How much does it cost to reserve my company name?
A: The official government fee for name reservation is LKR 2,360.00 (Base Fee LKR 2,000 + 18% VAT). This fee secures your name for three months, giving you time to finalize the remaining incorporation documents.
5. What are Forms 1, 18, and 19?
A: These are the mandatory statutory documents generated by the eROC system:
- Form 1: The primary application for incorporation.
- Form 18: The Consent and Certificate of the Director(s).
- Form 19: The Consent and Certificate of the Company Secretary.
6. Why did eROC reject my document submission?
A: The most common reasons for rejection are related to scanning and formatting:
- The document is not a clear, clean A4 size PDF file.
- The required signatures (Director, Secretary) are missing or illegible.
- The PDF files were merged or edited using unauthorized software.
III. Post-Registration Compliance
7. Is the Public Notice still compulsory, and do I have to pay for the newspaper ads?
A: The requirement for public notice (in the Gazette and a daily newspaper) remains compulsory. However, the process has been streamlined: the Registrar of Companies (ROC) now handles both the paper notice and the Gazette publication automatically, ensuring efficiency.
8. What is the first legal requirement immediately after incorporation?
A: The first critical step is obtaining a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) by registering your company with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) via their e-services portal. This is necessary to establish your company as a legal taxpayer.
9. When is the deadline for filing my Corporate Income Tax (CIT) Return?
A: Your CIT return must be e-filed with the IRD no later than eight months after the end of your financial year (FY). For example, if your FY ends on March 31st, your tax return is due by November 30th of that calendar year.
IV. Getting Expert Help
10. How can 360 Accountants help with the eROC process?
A: As a registered Corporate Secretary, 360 Accountants manages the entire end-to-end process:
- We guarantee accurate eROC submissions, eliminating the risk of rejection.
- We prepare and manage all statutory documentation (Forms 1, 18, 19, AoA).
- Our Premium Package ensures you are compliant with post-incorporation tasks like the mandatory Gazette publication and setting up your Beneficial Ownership (BO) register.
Avoid the administrative burden. Partner with us for a guaranteed, compliant launch.
