Condominium Management Authority (CMA) Certificate Explained

No CMA, No Deed.

In Sri Lanka, you don't own your apartment until the Condominium Management Authority (CMA) certifies the building. Until then, you only have a "Sales Agreement" (which is risky).

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1. The 3 Stages of Certification

Stage 1: Provisional Condominium Plan (Pre-Construction)

• Developer submits plans to CMA before building.
• What you get: You can register a "Provisional Deed" (allows you to mortgage the unbuilt unit).
• Risk: Low, if provisional plan is registered.

Stage 2: Semi Condominium Plan (Partial Completion)

• Used for large projects with multiple towers. One tower is finished and certified while others are being built.
• Status: You can get a Deed for the finished tower.

Stage 3: Condominium Plan (Final)

• Building is 100% complete. COC (Certificate of Conformity) obtained.
• Status: Developer transfers the full Deed to you. You are the legal owner.

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2. Common Scams/Delays

Developers often delay the Final CMA Certificate to avoid paying taxes or because they violated building rules (e.g., built an extra floor).

• Consequence: You live there, but you can't sell it or mortgage it easily. You don't have a Deed.

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3. How to Check

Before paying the deposit:

1. Ask for the CMA Registration Number.
2. Ask if the Provisional Plan is registered at the Land Registry.
3. If they say "CMA is pending" for a completed building -> Red Flag.

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Verify before you buy. CMA Website Link