About .ලංකා domain
.ලංකා is a country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) representing Sri Lanka in the Sinhala script. It is operated by the LK Domain Registry, which also manages the .lk ccTLD. The delegation was approved through ICANN's IDN Fast Track process and became active in 2010. This extension provides a script-specific domain option alongside the country's existing ASCII ccTLD.
Who can register .ලංකා domain
Registration for .ලංකා domains is open to the public. There are no specific geographic or citizenship restrictions for registrants. However, registrants must comply with the general registration policies set by the LK Domain Registry, which are consistent with those for .lk domains. The domain name must consist of valid Sinhala script characters as defined in the registry's IDN tables.
How to register .ලංකා domain
- Search for availability: Use a registrar's search tool to check if your desired .ලංකා domain is available, ensuring the name uses only valid Sinhala characters from the registry's approved table.
- Select a registrar and term: Compare offers from accredited registrars, noting the minimum registration period and any included services like DNS management.
- Complete registration: Provide your contact details and complete payment through the registrar's checkout process.
- Configure your domain: After purchase, access the registrar's control panel to point your .ලංකා domain to your web hosting and email services via DNS records.
Typical uses of .ලංකා domain
The .ලංකා domain extension is primarily used by individuals, businesses, and organizations in Sri Lanka who wish to establish an online presence in the Sinhala language. It is a popular choice for local brands, cultural institutions, and community projects aiming to connect with a Sinhala-speaking audience. Users choose this TLD to create web addresses that are linguistically and culturally relevant, offering a distinct alternative to the ASCII .lk extension or generic TLDs. It supports the digital expression of Sri Lankan identity online.
Tips for registering .ලංකා domain
- Domain names must consist of at least two characters and use only Sinhala script characters from the registry's approved IDN language table.
- Registrations cannot combine English (ASCII) and Sinhala script characters within the same domain label.
- While domain names must use valid Unicode code points, they are not required to comply with strict Sinhala spelling rules.
Frequently asked questions about .ලංකා domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .ලංකා domain?
As of today, .ලංකා domains start from $62.99/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $62.99/yr across 1 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .ලංකා domains?
NameBeta tracks 1 registrars that support .ලංකා domain registration, with the cheapest option at $62.99/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .ලංකා domain?
The registry for .ලංකා domains is LK Domain Registry.
Who can register a .ලංකා domain?
Registration is open globally, with no requirement for a local presence in Sri Lanka. Any individual or entity can register a .ලංකා domain, provided they adhere to the character rules. The registry's policies focus on the technical validity of the Sinhala script string rather than the registrant's location or purpose.
Can I transfer a .ලංකා domain between registrars?
Transfers of .ලංකා domains between registrars follow standard inter-registrar transfer procedures. You must ensure the domain is unlocked at your current registrar and obtain the correct authorization code (EPP code). The transfer request is then initiated at the gaining registrar, and you must confirm it to complete the process.
What character sets are allowed for a .ලංකා domain name?
A .ලංකා domain name must consist exclusively of characters from the Sinhala script, as defined in the official IDN language table published by the LK Domain Registry. Mixing Sinhala characters with Latin (English) letters or digits within the same domain label is not permitted. The registry provides the specific table of allowed characters to ensure compatibility and correct display.
Are there any content or usage restrictions for .ලංකා websites?
The registration policies for .ලංකා generally follow the same rules established for the .lk ccTLD. While the primary focus is on the technical and linguistic validity of the domain name itself, registrants must agree to abide by the registry's terms of service. These terms typically prohibit illegal activities and require accurate WHOIS data, but do not impose specific content mandates based on language or topic.
How does the dispute policy work for .ලංකා domains?
Disputes over .ලංකා domain names are likely governed by the same policies as the .lk namespace, which typically includes a form of the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP). Trademark holders can file a complaint if they believe a domain was registered and is being used in bad faith. The specific procedures and any local nuances would be detailed in the registry's official dispute resolution policy.
