Best Nonprofit & Charitable Organizations Lawyers in Sri Lanka

Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.

Free. Takes 2 min.

Or refine your search by selecting a city:

John Wilson Partners

John Wilson Partners

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 1920
12 people in their team
ABOUT US: Founded in 1920 by the late Senator John Wilson, the firm is an established legal practice in Sri Lanka, providing service in the...
Afrikaans
English
French
Sinhala
Tamil
Swedish
View profile
Riktha Legal Services

Riktha Legal Services

Nugegoda, Sri Lanka

Founded in 2015
50 people in their team
Why Choose Our FirmKnowledgeable, Experienced And Efficient Team Of Lawyers Consisting Of Subject Matter ExpertsDedicated Client Servicing ArmAn...
Sinhala
English
Tamil
Qanunie Consultants

Qanunie Consultants

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 2021
4 people in their team
Who We Are: Qanunie Consultants offer a multitude of legal services covering a wide scope ranging from legal consultancy, contracts management,...
English
Sinhala
Shums Associates

Shums Associates

Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka

Founded in 2001
50 people in their team
About USWe Serve Since 2001We are a full-service commercial law firm, founded in 2001 to serve as a single-window legal service provider in a dynamic...
Sinhala
English
Tamil
PK Law Chamber -Prasanna Karunasekara Attorneys at Law

PK Law Chamber -Prasanna Karunasekara Attorneys at Law

Kiribathgoda, Sri Lanka

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
About UsPrasanna Karunasekara Law Chamber (PK Law Chamber) is a Law Chamber working with a team of highly skilled law partitioners. The rapidity with...
Sinhala
English
Tamil
Julius & Creasy

Julius & Creasy

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 1879
200 people in their team
Our HistoryWith its near 140 year history Julius & Creasy is one of the oldest law Firms in Sri Lanka, while also being the largest. Its...
Sinhala
English
Tamil
Paul Ratnayeke Associates

Paul Ratnayeke Associates

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 1987
50 people in their team
Paul Ratnayeke AssociatesPaul Ratnayeke Associates was founded in 1987 by its Senior Partner, Mr. J. H. Paul Ratnayeke to create a more focused,...
Sinhala
Tamil
English
Chambers Colombo

Chambers Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 1995
50 people in their team
We at ChambersThe legal world is constantly changing and becoming ever more competitive and demanding .We at Chambers believe, that we are well...
Sinhala
Tamil
English
Gregory's Partners

Gregory's Partners

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 1970
200 people in their team
AboutThe Sri Lankan economy and therefore its legal system has traditionally been influenced by the island’s colonial past. Thus, the legal...
Sinhala
English
Tamil
DIMEAN LAW CHAMBERS

DIMEAN LAW CHAMBERS

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
DIMEAN is a premier law firm based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. We aim to provide a personalized service tailored to the specific requirements...
Sinhala
English
Tamil
AS SEEN ON

About Nonprofit & Charitable Organizations Law in Sri Lanka

Nonprofit and charitable organizations in Sri Lanka operate under a legal framework that provides various advantages and responsibilities. These organizations can be established for the advancement of religious, scientific, cultural, social, or educational purposes without the intent of generating profit for stakeholders. The legal structure governing these entities ensures transparency, accountability, and compliance with regulations designed to foster public trust and safeguard the interests of donors and beneficiaries.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Legal advice in the field of Nonprofit & Charitable Organizations can be crucial in several situations. You may need a lawyer if you are looking to establish a nonprofit organization, as they can guide you through the complexities of registration, tax exemptions, and compliance with local laws. If you are already operating a charitable entity, a lawyer can help with governance issues, employment matters, contracts, disputes, and ensure that your organization adheres to regulatory changes. Additionally, legal assistance might be needed for handling donations, grants, and international collaborations to ensure ethical and legal standards are met.

Local Laws Overview

The primary legislation governing nonprofit and charitable organizations in Sri Lanka is the Voluntary Social Service Organizations (Registration and Supervision) Act No. 31 of 1980, commonly known as the VSSO Act. This act requires all nonprofit entities to register with the National Secretariat for Non-Governmental Organizations. The registration process requires documentation related to the organization's objectives, governance structure, funding sources, and operations. Compliance with the VSSO Act is essential, and penalties are imposed for non-compliance. Additionally, tax laws, such as those governing tax exemptions and deductions, are critical for these organizations and require careful adherence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process for registering a nonprofit organization in Sri Lanka?

To register a nonprofit, you must submit an application to the National Secretariat for NGOs, including your organization's constitution, objectives, and details of office bearers. Upon verification, a certificate of registration is issued.

Are there tax exemptions available for charitable organizations?

Yes, charitable organizations may qualify for tax exemptions on income derived from donations and fundraising activities by applying to the Department of Inland Revenue under relevant tax laws.

How often do nonprofits need to submit financial reports?

Nonprofits are required to submit annual financial statements to the National Secretariat for NGOs as part of their compliance obligations under the VSSO Act.

Can a foreign national establish a nonprofit organization in Sri Lanka?

Yes, foreign nationals can establish a nonprofit organization in Sri Lanka, but they must comply with local laws and regulations, including registration with appropriate authorities.

What are the penalties for operating an unregistered nonprofit organization?

Operating an unregistered nonprofit organization is an offense under the VSSO Act and can result in fines, sanctions, or orders to cease operations.

What governance structure is required for a nonprofit organization?

Nonprofits are typically required to have a governing board or committee responsible for oversight, decision-making, and ensuring the organization's activities align with its objectives.

Are donations to nonprofits tax-deductible for the donor?

Donations made to registered charitable organizations may be eligible for tax deductions, subject to conditions outlined in the tax legislation.

How can a nonprofit organization ensure compliance with Sri Lankan laws?

Compliance can be maintained through regular audits, updated reporting, aligning operations with legal requirements, and seeking advice from legal professionals specializing in nonprofit law.

Can a nonprofit engage in commercial activities?

Yes, nonprofits can engage in commercial activities if the income generated is used to further their charitable objectives and if they comply with tax and business laws.

Are there specific regulations for fundraising activities?

Fundraising activities must be conducted transparently and ethically, with clear records maintained. Some activities may require prior approval from relevant authorities.

Additional Resources

For more information on the legal aspects of nonprofits and charitable organizations, you can reach out to the National Secretariat for Non-Governmental Organizations and the Department of Inland Revenue. Legal professionals specializing in nonprofit law and local bar associations can also provide valuable guidance.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance in the field of Nonprofit & Charitable Organizations, consider reaching out to a lawyer with expertise in this area. You can schedule a consultation to discuss your specific needs and concerns. Ensure you gather all relevant documents and information about your organization, its operations, and any particular challenges you are facing to facilitate a productive discussion with your legal advisor. Additionally, attending workshops, seminars, and training sessions on nonprofit compliance can enhance your understanding of the local legal landscape.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While we strive to present accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currentness of the content. Laws and regulations can change frequently, and interpretations of the law can vary. Therefore, you should consult with qualified legal professionals for specific advice tailored to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions you take or fail to take based on any content on this page. If you find any information to be incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will make efforts to rectify it.