Special Provisions for Citizenship
Statutory confirmation of Sri Lankan citizenship for persons of Indian Origin and Chinese Origin under Act No. 39 of 1988, Act No. 35 of 2003, and Act No. 38 of 2008.
Granting Citizenship to Persons of Indian Origin
Granting Citizenship to Persons of Indian Origin
Issuing certificates to persons of Indian Origin confirming citizenship on their request under the provisions of Act No. 39 of 1988 and Act No. 35 of 2003.
Am I eligible to apply for confirmation certificate of Sri Lankan citizenship under this category?
If you are a person of Indian Origin who had been residing in Sri Lanka before the appointed date of the Citizenship Act (15.11.1948) or a descendant of such person, you can apply for a citizenship confirmation certificate under this category.
How Can I Obtain an Application Form?
Indo-Lanka Citizenship Division — In-Person & Printable Downloads
Application forms can be obtained in person from the Indo-Lanka Citizenship Division at the Head Office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Subhuthipura Road, "Suhurupaya", Battaramulla, or downloaded in printable PDF format below.
Application under Act No. 39 of 1988
Application for Citizenship Certificate Under the Provisions of Act No 39 of 1988.
Application under Act No. 35 of 2003
Application for Citizenship Certificate Under the Provisions of Act No 35 of 2003.
Special Declaration by Indian Passport Holders
Special declaration made by Indian passport holders to be a Sri Lankan under the provisions of Section 02 of the Act No 35 of 2003.
What Documents are Required Along with the Application?
Applicant’s Birth Certificate
Copy of the Birth Certificate of the applicant.
National Identity Card (NIC)
Copy of the National Identity Card of the applicant (if available).
Marriage Certificate
Copy of the marriage certificate of the applicant (if married).
Parents’ Citizenship Certificate
Copy of the citizenship certificate of the parents of the applicant (if available).
Documents in Case of Non-Availability of Birth or Marriage Certificates
Following alternative documents should be submitted in case of non-availability of the applicant's birth and marriage certificates:
- Birth certificate of a child of the applicant.
- An affidavit confirming the birth and marriage of the applicant.
Additional Documents Applicable Only to Indian Passport Holders
Statutory verification requirements under Section 02 of Act No 35 of 2003:
- A copy of the letter of acknowledgement of the special declaration issued by the Department of Registration of Persons of Indian Origin under the provisions of Section 02 of Act No. 35 of 2003.
- A clear copy of an applicant’s most recent Indian passport.
Where Can I Submit the Completed Application Forms?
Personal Handover at Suhurupaya Head Office
You can personally handover or send them by post to the Indo-Lanka Citizenship Division at the Head Office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Subhuthipura Road, "Suhurupaya", Battaramulla, between 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on weekdays (except public holidays).
Postal Delivery via Registered Post
Applicants unable to appear in person may send completed forms along with certified true copies via registered post addressed to the Indo-Lanka Citizenship Division.
How Long Will It Take to Get My Citizenship Certificate?
According to the law, within 60 working days from the official date of receipt of the completed application.
If the application is successfully submitted with all authentic documents according to the instructions, the citizenship certificate will be issued within 30 working days.
What are the Legal Provisions Applicable for This Citizenship Category?
Grant of Citizenship to Stateless Persons Act No. 39 of 1988
Grant of citizenship to stateless persons Act No 39 of 1988 and its subsequent statutory amendments.
Grant of Citizenship to Persons of Indian Origin Act No. 35 of 2003
Grant of citizenship to persons of Indian origin Act No 35 of 2003 and its subsequent statutory amendments.
Section 02 Acknowledgement Letters (Act No. 35 of 2003)
Issuing acknowledgement letters to Indian passport holders under the provisions of Section 02 of the Act No. 35 of 2003.
Granting Citizenship to Persons of Chinese Origin (Act No. 38 of 2008)
Legislative Purpose & Target Eligibility
Grant of Citizenship to Persons of Chinese Origin Act, No: 38 of 2008 was enacted with a view to granting citizenship by registration to persons with Chinese origin who had come to Sri Lanka on or before 15.11.1948 and had been living in Sri Lanka since then, and to the descendants of such persons.
5-Year Statutory Sunset Clause (Terminated 30.10.2013)
This Act came into force on 31.10.2008. The validity of the Act was limited to a period of 5 years in terms of the provisions stipulated in Section 09 of the Act. Accordingly, the effective period of the Act terminated on 30.10.2013. Therefore, new applications are no longer accepted from Chinese origin persons currently residing in Sri Lanka to grant Sri Lankan citizenship.
Confirmation of Existing Registered Citizenship (Section 04)
However, in terms of the provisions of Section 04 of this Act, it remains possible to confirm citizenship for a person who previously acquired citizenship by registration or a descendant of such person who was issued a citizenship certificate, upon submitting the relevant verified registration information.