Power of Attorney – Execution / Attestation

Power of Attorney guidance for applicants in Australia

Power of Attorney (POA) - Step-by-Step Guide for Applicants in Australia

A Power of Attorney (POA) for use in Sri Lanka must be properly prepared, correctly executed, and duly registered in Sri Lanka.

Important:

Failure to follow the correct legal procedure at the time of preparation and execution may result in the POA being challenged, rejected, or invalidated in Sri Lanka, particularly in matters relating to property, banking, or legal proceedings. Always ensure the document is completed accurately to avoid legal issues later.

Under the Powers of Attorney (Amendment) Act No. 3 of 2024, a POA executed outside Sri Lanka is valid if signed before:

  • A Sri Lankan diplomatic/consular officer, or
  • A person authorised under the law of that country (e.g. Notary Public)

Option 1 - High Commission Pathway (Recommended)

Step 1 - Prepare the POA
  • The POA must be prepared by a Sri Lankan lawyer or notary
  • Ensure all details are accurate
  • Do not sign the document before your appointment
Step 2 - Attend the Sri Lanka High Commission in Canberra

Book an appointment with the Sri Lanka High Commission Canberra and attend in person.

Please bring:

  • Unsigned original POA and two photocopies
  • Original passport and two photocopies of the bio page
  • Visa status (VEVO) or Dual Citizenship Certificate and two photocopies
  • Letter of request with complete contact details
  • Fee: AUD 100.00 for attestation of a Power of Attorney or Proxy

Note:

Applicants are advised to confirm with their Sri Lankan lawyer/notary how many copies are required, as each document may be subject to a separate fee.

If You Cannot Attend Canberra - Visit Queensland Honorary Consulate & Post Option

Applicants in Queensland who are unable to attend Canberra may attend the Honorary Consulate of Sri Lanka in Queensland.

Step 2A - Make an appointment

Book online under: “Power of Attorney - Execution / Attestation”

Step 2B - Attend in Person

Please make sure to bring:

  • Unsigned original POA
  • Original passport with two photocopies
  • Original Dual Citizenship Certificate with two photocopies, or
  • Visa status (VEVO), if the passport is not endorsed as a dual citizen
Step 3 - Sign before the Authorised Officer

The POA must be signed in front of the authorised officer at either the Sri Lanka High Commission Canberra or the Honorary Consulate.

  • Identity will be verified
  • The document will be signed in the presence of the authorised officer
  • The POA will then be attested
Step 4 - Next Steps After Signing

If signed at the High Commission:

  • Send the original POA to Sri Lanka for registration

If signed at the Honorary Consulate:

Send the following documents to the Sri Lanka High Commission Canberra:

  • Signed original POA
  • Certified copy of passport with two photocopies
  • Visa status (VEVO) or certified copy of Dual Citizenship Certificate with two photocopies
  • Request letter with complete contact details
  • The High Commission will contact you by email with instructions to pay the applicable fee online

Option 2 - Australian Notary Public Pathway

Step 1 - Prepare the POA

  • The POA must be prepared by a Sri Lankan lawyer/notary

Step 2 - Sign before a Notary Public

  • The grantor must sign before an Australian Notary Public
  • A Justice of the Peace (JP) is not sufficient

Step 3 - Obtain DFAT Apostille (Recommended)

Obtain an Apostille from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

This step helps ensure acceptance in Sri Lanka

Step 4 - Send the POA to Sri Lanka

  • Send the notarised (and apostilled) POA directly to Sri Lanka
  • No requirement to send the POA to the High Commission

Non-Sri Lankan Applicants

If you are not a Sri Lankan citizen or dual citizen, you should follow the Australian Notary Public pathway only.

Key Requirements:

  • Execute the POA before an Australian Notary Public
  • Obtain DFAT Apostille
  • Send the document directly to Sri Lanka for registration

Important:

Sri Lankan Consular Officers generally do not witness execution of POAs for non-Sri Lankan nationals. Therefore, the High Commission or Honorary Consulate pathway is not applicable for execution.

Registration in Sri Lanka (Mandatory)

After execution, the POA must be registered with the Registrar General's Department in Sri Lanka.

This is usually handled by the appointed attorney (donee) or a Sri Lankan notary.

Typical requirements include:

  • Original POA
  • Certified copy prepared by a Sri Lankan notary
  • Affidavit from the appointed attorney
  • Copies of identification documents

Important Notes

  • Do not sign the POA before your appointment
  • The Honorary Consulate does not prepare POA documents
  • For property, legal, banking or inheritance matters, ensure the POA is properly drafted
  • Incorrectly prepared or executed documents may lead to legal disputes or rejection in Sri Lanka
  • Fees and requirements may change. Applicants should confirm current details prior to submission