Com bank එකෙන් ලගදි SMS එකක් ආවා Personal කාඩ් වලින් බිස්නස් වැඩ කරන්න එපා කියලා , උන් මගෙන් අත්සන අරගෙන තියෙනවා කොලයකට බිස්නස් වැඩ කරන්නේ නැහැ කියලා පොරොන්දු වෙනවා කියලා.
උඹ ඔය බිස්නස් එක ලංකාවේ නීති අනුව නොකරොත් ලොකු දඩයක් ගහයි මහ බැංකුවෙන්. විශේෂයෙන්ම පිටරටවලට කරන ගෙවීම්.
හරි හමන් කෙනෙක්ගෙන් උපදෙස් ගනින්.
In Sri Lanka, several types of professionals and entities can advise a locally established business on making payments to a foreign cloud service provider while ensuring compliance with Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) foreign exchange regulations. Below is a breakdown of who can help, along with some recommendations based on general availability and reputation as of March 24, 2025:
1. Commercial Banks (Foreign Exchange Departments)
- Who They Are: Banks in Sri Lanka have dedicated foreign exchange or international banking teams that handle outward remittances and ensure compliance with CBSL rules.
- What They Offer:
- Guidance on permissible transactions, documentation, and limits.
- Direct assistance in processing payments (e.g., wire transfers).
- Updates on CBSL policies or restrictions.
- Recommendations:
- Sampath Bank: Known for robust online banking and support for businesses, with a strong foreign exchange desk. Contact their Corporate Banking team via www.sampath.lk or visit a branch in Colombo.
- Hatton National Bank (HNB): Offers tailored services for SMEs and corporates, with expertise in international transactions. Reach out through www.hnb.net or their Trade Services unit.
- Commercial Bank of Ceylon: A major player with a well-regarded forex team, ideal for larger businesses. Check www.combank.lk or call their hotline (+94 112 353 353).
- How to Approach: Call or email the bank’s business banking or forex department, provide details of the payment (e.g., amount, recipient), and ask for a consultation.
2. Financial Advisors / Accountants
- Who They Are: Certified accountants or financial consultants with expertise in Sri Lankan tax and forex regulations.
- What They Offer:
- Advice on structuring payments to minimize scrutiny or costs.
- Ensuring compliance with CBSL rules and tax obligations (e.g., VAT on digital services).
- Long-term financial planning for recurring foreign payments.
- Recommendations:
- PwC Sri Lanka: A global firm with local offices offering tax and regulatory advisory services. Contact them via www.pwc.com/lk or their Colombo office (+94 112 389 838).
- KPMG Sri Lanka: Specializes in tax, audit, and compliance for businesses dealing with international transactions. Reach out at www.kpmg.com/lk or call +94 112 426 426.
- BDO Sri Lanka: A reputable mid-tier firm with personalized services for SMEs. Visit www.bdo.lk or contact their advisory team.
- How to Approach: Look for advisors with experience in cross-border payments or digital services. Schedule a consultation via their websites or industry referrals.
3. Chartered Accountants or Tax Consultants
- Who They Are: Independent professionals registered with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka).
- What They Offer:
- Detailed analysis of CBSL regulations specific to your payment.
- Assistance with documentation and tax filings (e.g., VAT on foreign digital services).
- Liaison with banks or the CBSL if approvals are needed.
- Recommendations:
- Search the CA Sri Lanka directory (www.casrilanka.com) for professionals specializing in taxation or international business. Look for those based in Colombo or your region.
- Ernst & Young (EY) Sri Lanka: Another Big Four firm with local tax experts. Contact them at www.ey.com/en_lk or +94 112 463 500.
- How to Approach: Hire someone with a track record in forex compliance—ask for references or case studies from similar businesses.
4. Legal Advisors Specializing in Commercial Law
- Who They Are: Lawyers or law firms with expertise in Sri Lankan commercial and forex laws.
- What They Offer:
- Legal opinions on compliance with the Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017.
- Help with drafting service agreements or negotiating payment terms with the foreign provider.
- Representation if disputes arise with banks or regulators.
- Recommendations:
- FJ & G de Saram: One of Sri Lanka’s oldest and most respected law firms, with a strong commercial practice. Visit www.fjngdesaram.com or call +94 114 605 100.
- Nithya Partners: Known for corporate and banking law expertise. Contact them at www.nithyapartners.com or +94 112 321 065.
- How to Approach: Email or call to request a consultation, specifying your need for forex compliance advice.
5. Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) - Direct Inquiry
- Who They Are: The regulatory authority overseeing forex transactions.
- What They Offer:
- Official clarification on rules, limits, or approvals for large payments.
- Circulars and guidelines (available on www.cbsl.gov.lk).
- How to Approach: Contact the Exchange Control Department via email ([email protected]) or phone (+94 112 477 477). This is more of a last resort for complex cases, as banks typically act as intermediaries.
6. Industry Associations or Chambers of Commerce
- Who They Are: Organizations like the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) or the Sri Lanka Association of Software and Service Companies (SLASSCOM).
- What They Offer:
- Practical advice from peers or experts familiar with tech-related foreign payments.
- Workshops or seminars on forex compliance.
- Recommendations:
- Ceylon Chamber of Commerce: A go-to for businesses of all sizes. Visit www.chamber.lk or call +94 112 421 745.
- SLASSCOM: Ideal for tech firms using cloud services. Check www.slasscom.lk or contact their Colombo office.
- How to Approach: Join as a member or attend an event to network with advisors and businesses with similar needs.
My Recommendations
- For Simplicity: Start with your bank’s foreign exchange team (e.g., Sampath Bank or HNB). They’re the first point of contact, free with your account, and can handle most cases.
- For Expertise: Engage a firm like PwC or KPMG if the payment is large (e.g., over $50,000) or recurring, as they’ll cover tax and compliance comprehensively.
- For Tech-Specific Advice: SLASSCOM is a great resource if your business is in IT and frequently deals with cloud providers.
Next Steps
Pick one based on your budget and urgency:
- Call your bank today for a quick check (most accessible option).
- Email a firm like PwC or KPMG for a detailed consultation (allow 1–2 days for a response).
- Visit SLASSCOM’s website for upcoming events if you want industry insights.
Let me know if you’d like contact details refined further or help drafting an inquiry!
grok
