Sri Lanka - Register a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO, Self Help Group, Community Group)

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Procedure

Apply In-Person:
Registering a non-governmental organization (NGO), self-help group, or community group typically involves a series of steps.
Step 1: Define your organization's purpose: Clearly articulate the objectives, mission, and activities of your NGO or group. Identify the community or social issue you aim to address and develop a mission statement.
Step 2: Choose a name:

1. Select a unique name for your organization that reflects its purpose and is not already in use by another registered entity. Check with the appropriate government authority or registry to ensure the name is available.

Step 3: Form a governing body:

1. Establish a governing body or a board of directors that will oversee the organization's operations and decision-making process. Determine the roles and responsibilities of each board member.

Step 4: Draft governing documents:

1. Prepare the necessary governing documents, which typically include a constitution, bylaws, or memorandum of association. These documents outline the organizational structure, membership criteria, decision-making processes, and other essential details.

Step 5: Identify legal requirements:

1. Research and understand the legal requirements for registering an NGO or community group in your country. Check the specific regulations, laws, and procedures governing the registration process.
2. If you are unfamiliar with the legal aspects of registration, consider consulting with a lawyer or seeking guidance from organizations that assist in NGO formation. They can provide you with the necessary information and help you navigate the legal requirements.

Step 6: Register with appropriate authorities:

1. Approach the relevant government department, ministry, or regulatory body responsible for NGO registrations in your country. link
2. Obtain the registration application form and review the required documentation. or it can be downloaded from the following link
3. Complete the registration application form accurately and attach all the required supporting documents.
4. Pay any applicable fees as specified by the registration authority. Submit the application by the designated deadline.
5. After submitting the application, follow up with the registration authority to ensure its progress.
6. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information or clarification during the review process.
7. Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive a registration certificate or an official acknowledgment of your organization's registration status. This document serves as proof of your NGO's legal existence.
8. Familiarize yourself with any ongoing reporting, compliance, or filing requirements mandated by the registration authority. Ensure you meet these obligations to maintain your organization's registered status.
9. This entire process can be completed within 90 days or as per the timeline advised by the respective department authority.

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Required Documents

• Application form link
• Constitution or Memorandum of Association: This document outlines the objectives, mission, and activities of the organization. It typically includes information about the organization's name, registered address, membership criteria, governance structure, and rules of operation.
• Bylaws or Rules and Regulations: These documents provide more detailed guidelines on the internal functioning of the organization, including procedures for meetings, decision-making, membership criteria, and the roles and responsibilities of the governing body.
• Board of Directors/Trustees Information: Provide identification documents (such as passport copies) and personal details (name, address, occupation, etc.) of the board members or trustees who will oversee the organization's operations.
• Proof of Address: Provide documents to establish the registered address of the organization, such as a lease agreement, utility bill, or property ownership documents.
• Registration Fee Payment Receipt
• Minutes of Meetings
• Statutory Declarations.
• Organizational Profile: Prepare a brief profile of the organization, describing its mission, vision, objectives, target beneficiaries, and planned activities.
• Annual Work Plan and Budget
• Copies of Identification Documents: Provide identification documents of the organization's founding members, such as passports, national ID cards, or other government-issued identification.

Office Locations & Contacts

Ministry of Public Security


National Secretariat for Non-Governmental Organizations,
15th Floor,
Suhurupaya,
Battaramulla,
sri Lanka
Email - [email protected]
Director General:(0094) 112864483
Director:(0094) 112888424
Asst Director:(0094) 112884612
Email: [email protected]
General: (0094) 112877376
Fax : (0094)112884612
Contact link

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria to register a non-governmental organization (NGO), self-help group, or community group can vary depending on the country and legal framework in which you operate. While specific requirements may differ, here are some common factors that may determine eligibility:

• Non-profit Purpose: NGOs are typically established with a non-profit motive, focusing on addressing social, cultural, educational, environmental, or humanitarian issues. Having a clear and well-defined purpose that aligns with the objectives of the registration authority is essential.
• Legal Framework: Understand the legal framework governing NGOs in your country. Different countries may have specific laws or regulations that outline the eligibility criteria, registration process, and requirements. Research the applicable laws or seek legal advice to ensure compliance.
• Determine the type of organization you want to register. It can be an association, trust, foundation, or society, depending on the legal options available in your country. Each entity type may have specific eligibility criteria and requirements.
• Establish a governing body or a board of directors/trustees responsible for overseeing the organization's activities. Ensure the members meet any eligibility criteria set by the registration authority, such as age, residency, or professional qualifications.
• Depending on the type of organization, there may be requirements for a minimum number of members or specific categories of members. Understand the criteria for membership and ensure compliance during the registration process.
• NGOs are typically required to maintain financial accountability and transparency. You may need to demonstrate your ability to manage funds responsibly and maintain proper accounting practices.
• Local Presence: Some countries may require NGOs to have a local presence or operate within a specific geographic area. Ensure you meet any residency or presence requirements imposed by the registration authority.
• Non-discrimination: NGOs are generally expected to adhere to principles of non-discrimination and inclusivity. Your organization's activities and policies should promote equal opportunities and not discriminate based on factors such as race, gender, religion, or nationality.

Fees

• The applicant must pay the prescribed fee as per the authority’s request.

Validity

Explain the time until which the certificate/document is valid.
e.g. Birth Certificate Valid Forever

Documents to Use

• Application form link

Sample Documents

Please attach sample completed documents that would help other people.

Processing Time

• This entire process can be completed within 90 days or as per the timeline advised by the respective department authority.

Related Videos

Videos explaining the procedure or to fill the applications.
Attach videos using the following tag <&video type='website'>video ID|width|height<&/video&> from external websites.
Please remove the '&' inside the tags during implementation.
Website = allocine, blip, dailymotion, facebook, gametrailers, googlevideo, html5, metacafe, myspace, revver,
sevenload, viddler, vimeo, youku, youtube
width = 560, height = 340, Video ID = Can be obtained from the URL of webpage where the video is displayed.
e.g In the following url 'http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0US7oR_t3M' Video ID is 'Y0US7oR_t3M'.

Instructions

• Applicants must complete the application form before submitting it. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
• Applicants must provide genuine information while applying for this procedure.

Required Information

• Name of the organization
• Address
• Purpose of the organization
• Contact information
• Email
• Fax
• Legal Structure
• Bylaws or Constitution
• Board of Directors/Executive Committee
• Financial Information
• Activities and Programs
• Beneficiaries and Impact
• Sustainability Plan details
• List of founding members
• Declaration
• Date
• Signature

Need for the Document

• Registration of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) is the process of officially establishing an NGO with the government. typically involves submitting paperwork, paying a registration fee, and meeting certain requirements.

Information which might help

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in society by addressing various social, economic, environmental, and humanitarian issues. Their roles can vary depending on the specific focus and objectives of the organization, but here are some common roles and contributions of NGOs:

• Advocacy and Lobbying
• Service Delivery
• Research and Analysis
• Capacity Building
• Networking and Collaboration
• Humanitarian Assistance
• Awareness and Education
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Social Entrepreneurship
• International Cooperation

Other uses of the Document/Certificate

Please explain what are other uses of obtaining this document/certificate.
e.g. Birth Certificate can be used as proof of identity.

External Links

Link

Others

• A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) is a non-profit, voluntary citizens' group that is organized on a local, national, or international level to address issues in society. NGOs are often formed to provide services that are not provided by the government or to advocate for social change.
• Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are small, informal groups of people who come together to save money, provide loans to each other, and take on collective activities. SHGs are often formed by women to help them improve their economic status and social standing.
• Community Groups are informal groups of people who live in the same area and have common interests. Community groups can be formed to address a variety of issues, such as crime, poverty, or environmental protection.