For coffee shop business setup in Sri Lanka, sequence the work to secure approvals fast: pick a structure (sole proprietorship via Divisional Secretariat or private limited via Registrar of Companies), reserve the business name, obtain a TIN at the Inland Revenue Department, then apply for the local authority Trade License and Food Premises Registration through the MOH/PHI; add timely fire clearance and signage permits where required. Register employees for EPF/ETF, comply with the Shop and Office Employees Act, and enroll for VAT/SSCL if you cross statutory thresholds. Before signing a lease, verify landlord consent for alterations, power capacity (three‑phase 30–40 A), water pressure, grease-trap placement, flue route, waste collection, and delivery access. Fit-out for workflow: two‑group 220–240 V espresso machine with filtration and softening, on‑demand grinder, batch brewer, ice, POS with inventory, and backup power; maintain SOPs, cleaning schedules, and temperature logs. If importing beans or syrups, arrange Import Control permits and Plant Quarantine/clearances, or contract a local roaster. Engineer menu margins (target beverage COGS ≤30%, food ≤35%), standardize recipes, and set prices inclusive/exclusive of VAT as needed. Enable LankaQR and card acquiring, list on PickMe Food/Uber Eats, buy public/product liability and fire insurance, and plan a 6–8 week path.
