Business Name Registration

According to Business Names Ordinance No. 6 of 1918 (CAP. 149) regarding Business Names, it is mandatory to register a business name for a business in Central Province. Accordingly, the business names of all businesses not covered under the Companies Act No. 7 of 2007 will be registered under thisOrdinance. The Department of Trade, Commerce and Tourism Department, is the responsible government body for managing business names registration in the Central Province. The Director of the Department, is acting as the Registrar of Business Names.

The basic operations are conducted by the Department and with the aim of providing a more effective and prompt service to the business community. Since 1992, the role of issuing new business name registration certificates has been facilitated by the Divisional Secretaries, where the business is located. Accordingly, for the business community that conducts business activities in the Central Province, after starting the business activities, it is possible to obtain a business names registration certificate.

Benefits of Obtaining a Business Name Registration Certificate

• Formally giving legitimacy and identity to the business through the registration of the business name.
• Increasing the reputation of the business.
• Ease of maintaining bank accounts.
• Confirmation of business existence and various privileges in obtaining loans from financial institutions.
• Gaining high recognition of the business among customers.
• Facilitation of transactions due to trust in transactions with other institutions.
• Ensuring the existence and stability of the business.
• Being able to show as a personal asset.

Business names registration certificates are issued under two types

1. Certificate of Registration of an Individual (Sole Proprietorship).
2. Certificate of Registration of a Firm (2-20 Partners).

All business name registration certificates issued by the Trade, Commerce and Tourism Department prior to the year 1992 should be visited at the Trade, Commerce and Tourism Department. The relevant amendment can be done by submitting the complete set of applications issued by the Trade, Commerce and Tourism Department located in Gatambe.

Basically, the documents to be submitted while obtaining a business name registration certificate

1. Letter of Request (If a partnership, all partners must be signed).
2. Report of Grama Niladhari (To be provided by the Grama Niladhari where the business is located). This report must becertified by the relevant Divisional Secretary.
3. The trade license obtained by the local council or municipality where the business is located.
4. Payment receipt issued by local council or municipality in respect of businesses for which a trade license is not granted.
5. Certified copies of National Identity Cards. (All partners in case of a partnership)
6. If the business applicant is a resident of another divisional secretariat division, a Certificate on Residence from the Grama Niladhari.
7. Details of ownership of the land where the business is located. (Land deeds and title abstracts)
8. Special recommendations/approvals or police reports etc. as deemed necessary by the nature of the business.
9. A small photograph of the business site and nameplate (A4 Printout is sufficient).
10. All other documents and records requested by the Divisional Secretary.