🔑 Key Updates to Powers of Attorney in Sri Lanka (2022 & 2024 Amendments)
The law on Powers of Attorney (POA) in Sri Lanka has undergone significant reform in recent years, with Act No. 28 of 2022 and Act No. 3 of 2024 introducing new rules that every individual and business should be aware of.
⚖️ 2022 Amendments (Act No. 28 of 2022)
1. Validity Period – POAs are valid for 5 years unless a shorter or longer period is specified (state institutions excluded).
2. Irrevocable POAs Restricted – Only state institutions can issue irrevocable POAs.
3. Revocation Process – Must be done through notice, a notarial revocation, and registration with the Registrar General.
4. Temporary Notice – A 3-month interim notice can be filed while formal revocation is pending.
👉 These reforms were aimed at curbing misuse, providing clarity, and ensuring proper oversight.
⚖️ 2024 Amendments (Act No. 3 of 2024)
1. Execution Abroad Simplified – Foreign POAs can now be executed before an Ambassador/Consular Officer without the need for two additional witnesses.
2. Revocation Abroad Clarified – Cancellations executed outside Sri Lanka may be signed before an Ambassador/Consular Officer or an authority recognized under the laws of that country.
3. Updated Record-Keeping – Schedule II was replaced, modernizing how POAs and revocations are recorded and indexed by the Registrar General.
4. Validation of Old POAs – POAs executed before 25 October 2022 must be registered within two years of that date. If not, they automatically become null and void.
👉 This amendment bridges transitional gaps and makes the law more practical for Sri Lankans living overseas.
📌 Why These Changes Matter
Individuals and companies must now track the expiry of their POAs.
Anyone holding an old (pre-2022) POA should ensure it has been registered before the grace period lapsed.
Sri Lankans abroad benefit from simplified execution and revocation procedures.
⚖️ These reforms collectively reflect Sri Lanka’s attempt to balance protection against abuse with the practical needs of commerce, family arrangements, and cross-border dealings.
By Samurdhi Fernandopulle
Senior Partner, Attorney at Law