Sri Lankan notarial practice is unusual: a notary public in Sri Lanka is a qualified legal professional who draws deeds, not merely a witness to signatures as in the United States. So a power of attorney for use there is prepared by that notary, and what happens here is the execution and attestation.
Quick facts
Property is the dominant use, and Sri Lankan conveyancing depends on the deed and its registration. A power that does not describe the land as the deed does will not carry a transaction.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Attestation of a power of attorney | Published tariff | At the embassy |
| Affidavit or declaration | Published tariff | Or before a notary here |
| Notary’s fees in Sri Lanka | Agreed with the notary | Drafting the deed |
| Registration | Charged in Sri Lanka | Land registry |
| Return by courier | $20 | Tracked |
Inheritance is the other frequent reason, and estates involving relatives spread across several countries usually require each heir to execute their own document.
How to apply
- Instruct a notary public in Sri Lanka to prepare the deed for the specific transaction.
- Obtain the land or case references exactly as they appear in Sri Lankan records.
- Collect the identity details of everyone named.
- Execute the document as the notary instructs, at the embassy or before a notary here.
- Pay by money order or certified check and include a tracked return envelope.
- Send the original to Sri Lanka for registration.
Required documents
- Sri Lankan passport or national identity card.
- The deed prepared in Sri Lanka.
- Full details of the person receiving the power.
- Land deed references or case details.
- Copies of every original submitted.
- Money order or certified check and a return envelope.
Where to apply
At the consular division of the embassy in Washington, by post or in person.
No offices currently listed.
Additional notes
The notary there does the legal work
Do not draft anything yourself. The Sri Lankan notary’s deed is the document; your part is executing it correctly.
Register it
Attestation here is not the end. Registration at the land registry in Sri Lanka is what makes the instrument effective.
Be specific
Describe the land as the deed describes it, and state the acts authorised. Vague instruments are refused.
Revocation
Revoking requires a further document through the same route, with notice to the notary and the registry.