Gift Deed Laws in Sri Lanka: Can You Revoke It?
December 25, 2025
Gift Deed Laws in Sri Lanka: Can You Revoke It?
The ultimate act of generosity... that often ends in court.
Parents often gift land to children before death. But what if the child abandons you? Can you take it back? It depends on one word in the deed.
1. Revocable vs Irrevocable
Revocable Gift
- Clause: "Subject to my right to revoke this gift..."
- Power: You can cancel the deed unilaterally at any time.
- Risk: Banks HATE this. They won't give a loan to your child because you could cancel the title tomorrow.
Irrevocable Gift
- Clause: "I hereby renounce my right to revoke..."
- Power: You cannot take it back (unless you prove "Gross Ingratitude" in Supreme Court—very hard).
- Benefit: Your child gets a solid title and can get bank loans.
2. Life Interest (The Safety Net)
Regardless of revocation, always keep Life Interest.
- Meaning: "I give the ownership to my son, BUT I have the right to live here and collect rent until I die."
- Effect: The child owns it, but cannot kick you out or sell it without your signature.
3. Stamp Duty
Gift deeds to family (children/spouse) attract lower Stamp Duty (usually 3% instead of 4%).
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