From Vision to Legal Reality: Association Registration in Sri Lanka for EARS Lanka

We are pleased to announce that Elephant Acoustic Response and Safety Lanka (EARS Lanka) has been officially registered in Sri Lanka as a Company Limited by Guarantee, completing the formal association registration process under Sri Lankan law.

This incorporation marks a critical milestone in transforming EARS Lanka from a conservation vision into a legally recognised, governance‑compliant organisation capable of engaging with international donors, development partners, research institutions, and conservation stakeholders.

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Association Registration in Sri Lanka: A Strong Legal Foundation

Sri Lanka offers a well‑established legal framework for registering associations, non‑profit organisations, and guarantee companies under the Companies Act No. 7 of 2007. By completing our association registration as a Company Limited by Guarantee, EARS Lanka has adopted one of the most transparent and internationally recognised legal structures available in the country.

This structure is commonly used in Sri Lanka for:

• Non‑profit organisations and associations
• Conservation and environmental initiatives
• Research‑based and donor‑funded projects
• Membership‑driven and public‑interest organisations

For international donors, this form of registration provides assurance that the organisation is legally accountable, non‑profit oriented, and subject to statutory reporting and governance standards.

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Why a Company Limited by Guarantee Matters for Donors

As part of our association registration in Sri Lanka, EARS Lanka is structured to operate without share capital, ensuring that all resources are directed toward mission‑driven activities rather than private ownership or profit distribution.

This legal structure enables EARS Lanka to:

• Operate strictly on a not‑for‑profit basis
• Maintain clear governance and fiduciary accountability
• Enter into grant agreements, MOUs, and research collaborations
• Comply with donor, audit, and regulatory requirements
• Build long‑term institutional credibility and sustainability

For international donors and partners, this provides confidence that funds are managed within a robust legal and compliance framework aligned with global best practices.

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A Science‑Led Approach to Conservation and Safety

EARS Lanka was established to address one of the most urgent conservation challenges in Sri Lanka and the region: human–elephant coexistence.

Through our legally registered association, we are committed to developing and supporting:

• Acoustic response research and innovation
• Safety‑focused conservation interventions
• Evidence‑based and technology‑enabled solutions
• Community‑centred engagement and awareness programmes

Our formal registration allows us to responsibly scale these initiatives while engaging transparently with funders, researchers, and institutional partners.

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Governance, Transparency, and Compliance

Association registration in Sri Lanka is not merely an administrative step — it is a declaration of responsibility. EARS Lanka is committed to:

• Maintaining proper statutory records and reporting
• Operating under clearly defined constitutional documents
• Ensuring ethical governance and financial oversight
• Aligning with donor compliance and impact‑measurement expectations

These principles are embedded into our organisational design from inception.

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Looking Ahead: Partnerships and Impact

With our association registration now complete, EARS Lanka is entering its next phase — building partnerships, mobilising resources, and delivering measurable conservation and safety outcomes.

We welcome collaboration with:

• International donors and grant‑making institutions
• Conservation and wildlife research organisations
• Development agencies and academic partners
• Technology and innovation stakeholders

We look forward to working together to advance sustainable, science‑led solutions that protect elephants while enhancing human safety and coexistence.

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Legal Status:
Elephant Acoustic Response and Safety Lanka is registered in Sri Lanka as a Company Limited by Guarantee under the Companies Act No. 7 of 2007.

Incorporation facilitated by ASAC Corporate Secretaries