Starting a new company in Sri Lanka is a bold and exciting step. But before you can build your brand, attract customers, or open your doors, you must make a decision that will shape your business identity for years to come: choosing the right company name.
Your company name is more than just words on paper. It is the foundation of your brand, your first impression in the market, and a vital part of your legal existence. In today’s fast-evolving Sri Lankan business environment – one embracing digital transformation and global connectivity – selecting a company name that is memorable, legally compliant, and aligned with your business vision is critical.This comprehensive 2025 guide walks you through everything you need to know about how to choose a company name in Sri Lanka, the latest legal updates, the eROC name reservation process, and smart strategies to help you pick a name that positions your company for success both locally and internationally.
Why Your Company Name Matters More Than You Think
The Cornerstone of Your Brand Identity
A company name is the very essence of your brand. It introduces your business to the world and sets the tone for how customers and partners perceive you.
In Sri Lanka’s diverse and growing market – where trust, professionalism, and reputation carry significant weight – a well-chosen company name can:
- Instill confidence in your customers.
- Create a lasting first impression.
- Build brand equity over time.
- Support marketing efforts by being memorable and meaningful.
Serve as your primary digital identity across websites, social media, and search engines.
Your Digital Footprint Depends on It
As Sri Lanka modernizes with government e-services like the eROC portal and more businesses engaging online, your company name doubles as your digital fingerprint.
- Is the name easy to spell and pronounce across Sinhala, Tamil, and English?
- Can it be seamlessly integrated into a domain name?
- Are matching social media handles available?
Names that cause confusion or are hard to recall can hinder your ability to engage customers and grow your brand online.You can check if your selected/decided name is available here – Company Name Check
Understanding Sri Lanka’s Legal Framework for Company Naming (2025 Update)
Choosing a company name is not just a creative exercise – it is governed by Sri Lanka’s Companies Act No. 07 of 2007 and recent amendments introduced in the Companies (Amendment) Act of 2025.
What You Need to Know About the 2025 Amendment Act
The 2025 amendment brings important changes emphasizing corporate transparency, compliance, and ease of incorporation.
Key highlights impacting company formation and naming include:
- Beneficial Ownership Disclosure: You must declare ultimate owners at incorporation and notify any changes within 20 working days. This aims to increase transparency and prevent misuse of company structures.
- Prohibition of Bearer Shares: Anonymous bearer shares and share warrants are banned, requiring conversion to registered forms.
- Extended Public Notice for Name Changes: Companies now have 20 working days (up from 10) to notify the public of any name change.
- Single Shareholder Companies Allowed: It’s now clear that companies can be incorporated with a single shareholder, simplifying the process for solo entrepreneurs.
- Registrar Powers to Grant Extensions: For submitting documents, the Registrar can now approve extensions for valid reasons.
- Pathway to Re-register Struck-off Companies: Companies struck off can apply for re-registration within 10 years under conditions.
Though these do not directly alter name selection rules, they reinforce the importance of clear, transparent, and compliant business identities.
Sri Lanka’s Company Naming Rules: What Is Allowed and What Isn’t?
The Department of Registrar of Companies (DRC) rigorously enforces company naming rules to prevent confusion, protect consumers, and uphold public interest.
Core Restrictions You Must Know
- No identical or deceptively similar names: Your proposed name cannot be the same as or confusingly close to existing registered companies, whether local or overseas branches.
- The Registrar ignores superficial differences such as:
- Case differences (“Alpha” vs “alpha”)
- The word “The” at the beginning
- Use of “and” vs “&”
- Common suffixes (“Ltd,” “Private Limited,” “PLC,” etc.)
- Case differences (“Alpha” vs “alpha”)
- Prohibited words without permission:
- Government-associated terms like “President,” “National,” “State,” “Municipal,” “Incorporated”
- “Chamber of Commerce” (unless licensed)
- “Co-operative” or “Society” (reserved for specific entity types)
- Government-associated terms like “President,” “National,” “State,” “Municipal,” “Incorporated”
- Names that may mislead the public about the nature, size, or government affiliation of the business are banned.
Required Suffixes by Company Type
Your company name must end with the appropriate legal suffix:
| Company Type | Required Suffix |
| Private Company | “(Private) Limited” or “(Pvt) Ltd” |
| Public Listed Company | “Public Limited Company” or “PLC” |
| Other Limited Companies | “Limited” or “Ltd” |
Using the correct suffix is mandatory to clarify the company’s legal status.
How to Reserve Your Company Name Using the eROC Portal
Sri Lanka’s digital-first approach means that company name reservation and incorporation are done online through the eROC (electronic Registrar of Companies) portal.
Step-by-Step Name Reservation
- Register for an eROC User Account: Use your valid email to register and create a secure login.
- Conduct a Preliminary Name Search: Use eROC’s public search function to check if your desired name or similar names are already taken.
- Submit a Name Reservation Application:
- Select your company type.
- Enter the proposed name and legal suffix.
- Provide the name in English, Sinhala, and Tamil (trilingual format).
- Select your company type.
- Pay the Name Reservation Fee: Usually around LKR 2,000 plus VAT and processing fees (verify current rates).
- Wait for DRC Review: Typically 2-3 working days.
- Receive Approval or Rejection:
- If approved, your name is reserved for 3 months.
- If rejected, you can edit and resubmit your application via eROC.
- If approved, your name is reserved for 3 months.
- Proceed to Incorporation: Use the approved name to submit incorporation dosdcuments.
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Incorporation: From Name to Legally Registered Company
Once your name is reserved, the next step is to incorporate your company.
Key Documents to Prepare
- Form 1: Company registration application with details of directors, shareholders, and registered address.
- Form 18: Directors’ consent forms.
- Form 19: Company secretary’s consent.
- Articles of Association: Governing rules, which must include the company name in English, Sinhala, and Tamil.
Filing and Payment
Upload scanned signed documents via eROC, pay incorporation fees online, and await approval.
Incorporation Timeline
From name approval to certificate issuance typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on documentation completeness and correctness.
Learn more in detail about business incorporation step-by-step here
Creative Strategies for Naming Your Company
Define Your Brand Identity First
Before brainstorming names, clarify:
- What does your business do?
- What values and emotions should your brand convey?
- Who is your target audience?
- What makes your company unique?
Brainstorm Techniques
- Word dumps and free association.
- Mind mapping around key concepts.
- Exploring synonyms with a thesaurus.
- Considering foreign words carefully.
- Visual mood boards to inspire ideas.
- Playing with prefixes, suffixes, and word blends.
Types of Names to Consider
| Name Type | Description | Pros | Cons |
| Descriptive | Directly states what your company does | Clear, easy to understand | Can be generic and limit expansion |
| Evocative | Suggests qualities or benefits | Memorable, emotional connection | Needs marketing to explain |
| Invented/Coined | Made-up words | Distinctive, easy to trademark | Needs branding effort |
| Eponymous | Founder’s name | Personal, trustworthy | Limits perception of scale |
| Lexical/Wordplay | Puns, alliteration, creative word combos | Catchy, fun | Risk of sounding gimmicky |
| Acronymic | Initials of longer names | Short and concise | Often meaningless without context |
| Geographical | References location | Local connection | May limit growth geographically |
| Abstract | Real word used symbolically | Unique and flexible | Requires marketing to build association |
Psychological Factors: What Makes a Name Stick?
- Sound and Phonetics: Hard consonants convey strength; soft vowels feel friendly.
- Memorability: Short, rhythmic, and emotionally evocative names stay in mind.
- Pronounceability: Easy pronunciation in Sinhala, Tamil, and English is essential.
- Emotional Resonance: Names should reflect brand personality and appeal to customer aspirations.
- Cultural Cleanliness: Avoid negative or unintended meanings across languages and cultures.
- Timelessness: Avoid trendy names that might become outdated.
Critical Checks Before You Commit
- Legal Availability: Confirm on eROC the name is registrable.
- Domain Name Availability: Secure .lk and relevant domains ASAP.
- Social Media Handles: Check key platforms for consistent branding.
- Trademark Search: Use NIPO and WIPO databases; consult IP experts if needed.
- Online Search: Look for any existing businesses, negative connotations, or controversies.
- Feedback: Get opinions from trusted advisors and target customers.
The Importance of Trademarking Your Company Name
Registering your company name with the Registrar does not guarantee brand protection.
- Trademark registration at the National Intellectual Property Office (NIPO) is crucial to secure exclusive rights to your brand name in commerce.
- Trademark protects against others using confusingly similar names or logos.
- The process involves application, examination, publication, opposition period, and registration, typically taking 12–18 months.
- Trademark registration lasts 10 years and can be renewed indefinitely.
Cultural Sensitivity & Global Considerations
Sri Lankan businesses eyeing international markets or serving multicultural local customers must:
- Avoid names with negative or offensive meanings in other languages.
- Consider pronunciation, cultural customs, slang, and symbolism.
- Engage linguistic and cultural experts when necessary.
- Opt for neutral or universally positive names when expanding globally.
SEO & Online Presence: How Your Company Name Influences Discoverability
- A unique, easy-to-spell name improves online searches and reduces user errors.
- Matching your company name with domain names and social media handles enhances brand consistency.
- Including your brand name in website titles improves click-through rates and recognition.
- Local businesses benefit from adding geographic keywords in website content and profiles, not necessarily in the legal company name.
Final Checklist for Your Company Name
| Criteria Category | Key Questions |
| Legal Compliance | Does it follow Sri Lankan law and suffix rules? |
| Availability | Is it available on eROC, domains, social media, trademarks? |
| Brand Fit & Strategy | Does it reflect your business and target audience? |
| Practicality | Is it easy to spell, pronounce, remember? |
| Cultural Sensitivity | Is it appropriate across cultures and languages? |
| Personal Conviction | Are you proud and confident about the name? |
Naming Your Sri Lankan Company with Confidence
Choosing your company name is a pivotal moment – one that blends creativity, legal insight, and strategic vision. With Sri Lanka’s evolving business laws, digital infrastructure, and multicultural market, entrepreneurs must approach naming with thorough research, creativity, and compliance.
From understanding the 2025 amendments to mastering the eROC process, and from brainstorming brand-evoking names to securing trademark protections, this guide provides a roadmap to confidently name your company and lay a strong foundation for growth.
Need expert help navigating company naming, registration, or branding in Sri Lanka? SimpleBooks is here to guide you at every step – helping you build your business on a name that stands out and stands strong.
