Power of attorney for Sri Lankans living overseas
Updated 14 November 2026. 4 minute read.
Sign the power of attorney before a Sri Lankan consular officer or a notary in your country of residence, have it authenticated as required, send the original home, and have it registered at the Registrar General’s Department before your attorney uses it. Give only the powers that are needed.
General or special?
A general power of attorney lets someone act on your behalf in most matters. A special power of attorney limits them to a specific task, such as selling one land. A special power is safer whenever it is enough.
Signing abroad
Sign before a Sri Lankan embassy or consulate, or before a local notary and then have the document authenticated by the Sri Lankan mission. Your lawyer in Sri Lanka can send you a draft that will be accepted locally.
Registration and revocation
A power of attorney dealing with land should be registered before it is used. You can revoke it at any time by a registered revocation, and you should tell the people your attorney deals with.
This guide is general information about Sri Lankan law and practice. It is not legal advice, and the law may have changed. Speak to an Attorney-at-Law about your own situation.