In words

In figures

Cheque preview

For guidance only: always copy the amount yourself in pen and follow your bank's instructions.

Writing a cheque correctly

  1. Date: write today's date in the boxes (DD MM YYYY). A cheque is usually valid for six months.
  2. Pay: write the payee's full name, then draw a line through the rest of the space.
  3. Amount in words: start at the far left, end with “Only”, and line out the empty space.
  4. Amount in figures: write it close to the box edge with two decimals, e.g. 12,500.50/=.
  5. Sign exactly as your bank has your signature, and cross the cheque “A/C Payee Only” if it should go into an account.

Frequently asked questions

How do I write an amount in words on a cheque in Sri Lanka?

Write “Rupees”, the amount in words, then “and Cents” with the cents if there are any, and finish with “Only”, for example: “Rupees Twelve Thousand Five Hundred and Cents Fifty Only”. In the figures box, write the amount with two decimals and close it with “/=” or stars, e.g. **12,500.50**, so nothing can be added.

What's the difference between the international and lakh/crore systems?

The international system groups digits in thousands: 1,250,000 is “One Million Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand”. The South Asian system uses lakhs (100,000) and crores (10,000,000): 12,50,000 is “Twelve Lakh Fifty Thousand”. Both are correct; banks in Sri Lanka accept either.

How do I stop a cheque from being changed?

Start writing right at the beginning of each line, draw a line through any empty space after the words and figures, write the amount box close to the symbol, and add “Only” at the end. Crossing the cheque with “A/C Payee Only” means it can only be paid into the payee's bank account.

Can I get the amount in Sinhala?

Yes. Choose Sinhala to get the amount in rupees and cents in Sinhala words, for example රුපියල් දොළොස්දහස් පන්සියය.