Law & Legal

Become a Notary Public in Sri Lanka

Last updated: 15 Jul 2026

Avg Monthly Salary
LKR 60,000–360,000
Demand
⭐⭐⭐⭐ High
Min Qualification
Bachelor's Degree / Diploma
Study Duration
4–5 Years (Law College + Notarial Exam)

Job Growth: Steady · Overseas opportunities available

Career Overview

A Notary Public in Sri Lanka is authorised to draft and attest deeds — for land transfers, mortgages, gifts, powers of attorney, and other formal documents. Most Notaries are also Attorneys-at-Law, though a separate notarial pathway also exists via Sri Lanka Law College's Notaries Examination.

With Sri Lanka's active property market, notaries are always in demand — many operate independent practices earning fees per deed.

What Does This Career Do?

Notaries draft, attest, and register deeds and formal documents relating to property, powers of attorney, gifts, mortgages, and other legal instruments.

Daily Responsibilities

Drafting deeds
Attesting signatures
Registering deeds
Client verification
Ensuring stamp duty payment
Managing deed registers
Advising on property law
Handling powers of attorney
Notarising affidavits
Coordinating with Registry
Explaining terms to clients
Maintaining confidentiality

Skills Required

Technical Skills

  • Deed Drafting
  • Property Law
  • Stamp Duty Regulations
  • Notarial Register Management
  • Land Registration
  • Contract Drafting
  • Sinhala/Tamil/English Legal Language

Soft Skills

  • Precision
  • Integrity
  • Attention to Detail
  • Client Service
  • Ethical Judgement
  • Confidentiality
  • Reliability

Education Pathway

  1. 1
    Route 1
    • Attorney-at-Law
    • Notaries Public Ordinance Exam
    • Registration
    • Notary Public
  2. 2
    Route 2
    • GCE A/L
    • SLLC Notaries Examination (Sinhala/Tamil/English)
    • Apprenticeship
    • Notary Public
  3. 3
    Route 3
    • Notary Public
    • Real Estate/Firm Practice
    • Senior Notary
    • Independent Practice

Entry Requirements

Complete GCE A/L and either become an Attorney-at-Law (who can register as Notary) or complete SLLC's Notaries Examination in a specific language medium.

Recommended Courses

Notaries Exam (SLLC)

Attorney-at-Law

Property Law

Land Law

Career Progression

  1. 1
    Trainee Notary
  2. 2
    Notary Public
  3. 3
    Established Notary
  4. 4
    Senior Notary
  5. 5
    Independent Practice Owner

Industries Hiring

Independent Practice
Law Firms
Real Estate
Banks (mortgage deeds)
Corporates

Salary Summary

ExperienceMonthly Salary (LKR)
Trainee / New NotaryLKR 60,000–120,000
Notary PublicLKR 120,000–240,000
Established NotaryLKR 240,000–320,000
Senior / Independent PracticeLKR 290,000–360,000+
Disclaimer

The salary information on this page is intended as a general guide for students and job seekers in Sri Lanka. Actual salaries may vary depending on qualifications, experience, employer, industry, location, job responsibilities, company size, performance, market demand, and additional benefits. The figures shown are estimated monthly salary ranges and are provided for informational purposes only. They should not be considered guaranteed earnings.

Certifications That Increase Salary

Attorney-at-Law
SLLC Notarial Exam
Registration under Notaries Ordinance
Land Law Certificates

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all lawyers become notaries?
No. Notarial status requires a separate exam and registration under the Notaries Ordinance.
Can non-lawyers become notaries?
Yes. Sri Lanka Law College conducts a separate Notaries Examination for candidates in Sinhala, Tamil, or English medium.
How do notaries earn?
Fees per deed based on the transaction value plus stamp duty guidance.
Is language important?
Yes. Notaries are licensed to attest deeds in specific language mediums — Sinhala/Tamil/English.
Is deed work steady?
Yes. Property transactions are constant across Sri Lanka, particularly in Colombo and provincial hubs.

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