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Disclaimer / Limitations
This country’s legal measures were reviewed by our legal staff in consultation with in-country lawyers and/or CRVS legal experts. All efforts were made to ensure the accuracy of the legal analysis, however, if you consider there to be any discrepancies or if there have been changes in the law of the country since our staff last updated the legal analysis, we welcome any additional information or insights. Please contact us via this form.
Birth Registration
Sri Lanka
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Sri Lanka
Birth Registration
Certificates and Related Services
Certificates and Related Services
Certified Copies
Is the first copy of birth certificate provided free of charge?
Yes
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Legislation should require the registrar, upon completion of registration, to issue an original birth certificate to the parents of the child free of charge. Ideally, the local registrar has the power to issue a birth certificate, as this will shorten the time frame for certificate issuance.
The law requires the competent Registrar to prepare three copies of the birth certificate, and to "deliver or transmit by post" free of charge the third copy to the informant.
Is a Unique Personal Identifier (UPI) assigned at birth?
Yes
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
The UN guidance recommends that a unique personal identifier (UPI) is assigned and entered into the birth record for every child born within the territory of the country, regardless of citizenship, ethnicity, nationality, or residency status. This facilitates the linkage of records in the CR and ID systems.
Yes, a 12-digit serial number is to be issued for all new birth certificates since July 2020. This number can be used to obtain a national ID card, when a citizen completes 15 years of age.
Law Source
Registration Linked to Access to Key Services and Other Incentives
Is proof of birth registration required in order to access any public services?
Yes
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Birth certificate should be requested for child immunizations and wellness checks. Absence of a birth certificate should not prevent the child from accessing healthcare. However, if health workers (such as vaccination workers, doctors, nurses) see an unregistered infant, they can use the opportunity to register the child. Legislation should allow for health workers to act as informants in these circumstances.
Yes, in practice and through laws (not the BDRA), birth certificates are required to obtain National ID card, drivers license, passport, admission to schools, marriage and voter registrations and insurance.Though the Registration of Persons Act 1971 (for National ID), Motor Traffic Act 1951 (for driver's license) and Registration of Electors Act 1980 (for voter registration) do not make a birth certificate mandatory in law to acquire respective documents, in practice birth certificates are requested to issue National ID, driver's license and voter ID.
Is proof of birth registration required by law to issue a national ID card?
No
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
For those born in the country, birth registration should be required in order to register for a national ID. For refugees, migrants or stateless persons born outside the country and lacking proof of birth registration from country of origin, the law should provide alternative means to validate their identity and obtain identity credentials.
Though the law (BDRA) does not mention this, there is a requirement in practice to produce a birth certificate or an extract of birth certificate in order to register for a National ID card. Registration of Persons Act 1971 (for National ID) does not make a birth certificate mandatory in law to issue national ID either.
