Our staff is undertaking analysis for this metric. Please check back later.
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.
Stillbirth Reporting
Sri Lanka
Responsive Image
Sri Lanka
Stillbirth Reporting
Reporting through the Civil Registration System
Reporting through the Civil Registration System
Compulsory coverage
Does the law require that health facility or health professional attending a stillbirth record or equivalent document to facilitate burial or cremation?
No
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
No relevant legal provisions under Sri Lankan laws.
Does the law require that funeral, burial and cremation services request proof of stillbirth registration or reporting?
Yes
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
Section 43(1) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act stipulates that "no person" shall bury, cremate, or dispose of a stillborn child unless a certificate has been obtained by one of the following: the registrar, the superintendent of the estate, or the medical practitioner in attendance. However, note that Section 43(1) only applies to stillbirths occurring in certain areas (listed in Part V of the Act) and Part V of the Act is no longer in effect. Therefore, even though the law stipulates that burial cannot take place without stillbirth registration, in practice, only stillbirths that occurred in Part V areas were subject to this provision before Part V areas became obsolete under the law.
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
No relevant legal provisions under Sri Lankan laws.
Law Source
Does the civil register contain a separate register for stillbirths, distinct from birth and death registers?
Yes
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
Under the Births and Deaths Registration Act, Form C is the stillbirth registrarion entry form, which is separate from the birth entry (form A) and death entry (Form B).
What is the reporting period for stillbirth registrations specified under the law?
Unclear
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
No relevant legal provisions under Sri Lankan laws.
Law Source
Where must stillbirths be reported?
Place of occurence
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
Under Section 10 of the Birth and Deaths Registration Act, stillbirths are reported at the place of occurrence. Moreover, under Circular 2-155 of 2015, the health sector declares the stillbirth to the registrar in the place of occurrence.
Under the Birth and Deaths Registration Act, the role of the health sector is unclear. The only existing provisions are limited to specific geographic areas, and do not apply to the whole territory: - According to Section 47(5) of the Act, any medical officer who receives information on stillbirths occurring in "certain areas" (listed in Part V of the Act), shall report it to the registrar within 7 days. - Under Section 48 of the Act, for stillbirths occurring in "certain areas" (listed in Part V of the Act), the heads of health facilities shall send weekly information to the registrar about any stillbirths having taken place in their facilities. These provisions, anyway, are no longer enforced. Nonetheless, the role of the health sector in stillbirth registration has been expanded by Circular 2-155 of 2015. This circular requires the health sector to send a copy of the form "Declaration of Still Birth" to the Registrar General and give a copy of the declaration to the parent for use in registration.
Who is the designated primary informant for declaring stillbirths to the civil registrar?
Unclear
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
The Birth and Deaths Registration Act does not clearly state who are the informants for stillbirths. Section 15 provides that the mother and the father are the primary informants for births. However, there is no equivalent provision for stillbirths. Section 47(2) specifies the informants for stillbirths occurring in "certain areas" (listed in Part V of the Act). This provision mostly focuses on stillbirths occurring out-of-facility. Under this provision, the father, if he was residing in the house where the stillbirth took place, is the primary informant. Moreover, this section foresees that "any person in attendance upon the mother at that time or within six hours thereafter" shall inform the medical authorities of any information they are aware of by filling in form W. Circlular 2-155/2015 provides that all health facilities are to declare stillbirths to the Registrar General.
Is stillbirth registration available and compulsory for all stillbirths occurring within the country's jurisdiction?
Allowed
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
The Births and Deaths Registration Act stipulates that it is the duty of the registrar to inform himself carefully of every stillbirth occurring in his division. Section 42 of the BDRA requires that a stillbirth be reported to the civil registrar before obtaining a permit for burial or cremation. This section applies to "Part V" areas, a provision that is no longer enforced. Circular 2-155 of 2015 requires all health facilities to declare stillbirths to the Registrar General and to provide a copy of the declaration form to the parents for use in registration. However, the obligation on parents to use this copy of declaration form for registration, is not clearly stated in the law.
Does the law require that health facility or health professional attending a stillbirth record or equivalent document to facilitate burial or cremation?
No
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
No relevant legal provisions under Sri Lankan laws.
Does the law require that funeral, burial and cremation services request proof of stillbirth registration or reporting?
Yes
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
Section 43(1) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act stipulates that "no person" shall bury, cremate, or dispose of a stillborn child unless a certificate has been obtained by one of the following: the registrar, the superintendent of the estate, or the medical practitioner in attendance. However, note that Section 43(1) only applies to stillbirths occurring in certain areas (listed in Part V of the Act) and Part V of the Act is no longer in effect. Therefore, even though the law stipulates that burial cannot take place without stillbirth registration, in practice, only stillbirths that occurred in Part V areas were subject to this provision before Part V areas became obsolete under the law.
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
No relevant legal provisions under Sri Lankan laws.
Law Source
Does the civil register contain a separate register for stillbirths, distinct from birth and death registers?
Yes
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
Under the Births and Deaths Registration Act, Form C is the stillbirth registrarion entry form, which is separate from the birth entry (form A) and death entry (Form B).
What is the reporting period for stillbirth registrations specified under the law?
Unclear
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
No relevant legal provisions under Sri Lankan laws.
Law Source
Where must stillbirths be reported?
Place of occurence
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
Under Section 10 of the Birth and Deaths Registration Act, stillbirths are reported at the place of occurrence. Moreover, under Circular 2-155 of 2015, the health sector declares the stillbirth to the registrar in the place of occurrence.
Under the Birth and Deaths Registration Act, the role of the health sector is unclear. The only existing provisions are limited to specific geographic areas, and do not apply to the whole territory: - According to Section 47(5) of the Act, any medical officer who receives information on stillbirths occurring in "certain areas" (listed in Part V of the Act), shall report it to the registrar within 7 days. - Under Section 48 of the Act, for stillbirths occurring in "certain areas" (listed in Part V of the Act), the heads of health facilities shall send weekly information to the registrar about any stillbirths having taken place in their facilities. These provisions, anyway, are no longer enforced. Nonetheless, the role of the health sector in stillbirth registration has been expanded by Circular 2-155 of 2015. This circular requires the health sector to send a copy of the form "Declaration of Still Birth" to the Registrar General and give a copy of the declaration to the parent for use in registration.
Who is the designated primary informant for declaring stillbirths to the civil registrar?
Unclear
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
The Birth and Deaths Registration Act does not clearly state who are the informants for stillbirths. Section 15 provides that the mother and the father are the primary informants for births. However, there is no equivalent provision for stillbirths. Section 47(2) specifies the informants for stillbirths occurring in "certain areas" (listed in Part V of the Act). This provision mostly focuses on stillbirths occurring out-of-facility. Under this provision, the father, if he was residing in the house where the stillbirth took place, is the primary informant. Moreover, this section foresees that "any person in attendance upon the mother at that time or within six hours thereafter" shall inform the medical authorities of any information they are aware of by filling in form W. Circlular 2-155/2015 provides that all health facilities are to declare stillbirths to the Registrar General.
Is stillbirth registration available and compulsory for all stillbirths occurring within the country's jurisdiction?
Allowed
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
The Births and Deaths Registration Act stipulates that it is the duty of the registrar to inform himself carefully of every stillbirth occurring in his division. Section 42 of the BDRA requires that a stillbirth be reported to the civil registrar before obtaining a permit for burial or cremation. This section applies to "Part V" areas, a provision that is no longer enforced. Circular 2-155 of 2015 requires all health facilities to declare stillbirths to the Registrar General and to provide a copy of the declaration form to the parents for use in registration. However, the obligation on parents to use this copy of declaration form for registration, is not clearly stated in the law.
Does the law require that health facility or health professional attending a stillbirth record or equivalent document to facilitate burial or cremation?
No
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
No relevant legal provisions under Sri Lankan laws.
Does the law require that funeral, burial and cremation services request proof of stillbirth registration or reporting?
Yes
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
Section 43(1) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act stipulates that "no person" shall bury, cremate, or dispose of a stillborn child unless a certificate has been obtained by one of the following: the registrar, the superintendent of the estate, or the medical practitioner in attendance. However, note that Section 43(1) only applies to stillbirths occurring in certain areas (listed in Part V of the Act) and Part V of the Act is no longer in effect. Therefore, even though the law stipulates that burial cannot take place without stillbirth registration, in practice, only stillbirths that occurred in Part V areas were subject to this provision before Part V areas became obsolete under the law.
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
No relevant legal provisions under Sri Lankan laws.
Law Source
Does the civil register contain a separate register for stillbirths, distinct from birth and death registers?
Yes
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
Under the Births and Deaths Registration Act, Form C is the stillbirth registrarion entry form, which is separate from the birth entry (form A) and death entry (Form B).
What is the reporting period for stillbirth registrations specified under the law?
Unclear
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
No relevant legal provisions under Sri Lankan laws.
Law Source
Where must stillbirths be reported?
Place of occurence
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
Under Section 10 of the Birth and Deaths Registration Act, stillbirths are reported at the place of occurrence. Moreover, under Circular 2-155 of 2015, the health sector declares the stillbirth to the registrar in the place of occurrence.
Under the Birth and Deaths Registration Act, the role of the health sector is unclear. The only existing provisions are limited to specific geographic areas, and do not apply to the whole territory: - According to Section 47(5) of the Act, any medical officer who receives information on stillbirths occurring in "certain areas" (listed in Part V of the Act), shall report it to the registrar within 7 days. - Under Section 48 of the Act, for stillbirths occurring in "certain areas" (listed in Part V of the Act), the heads of health facilities shall send weekly information to the registrar about any stillbirths having taken place in their facilities. These provisions, anyway, are no longer enforced. Nonetheless, the role of the health sector in stillbirth registration has been expanded by Circular 2-155 of 2015. This circular requires the health sector to send a copy of the form "Declaration of Still Birth" to the Registrar General and give a copy of the declaration to the parent for use in registration.
Who is the designated primary informant for declaring stillbirths to the civil registrar?
Unclear
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
The Birth and Deaths Registration Act does not clearly state who are the informants for stillbirths. Section 15 provides that the mother and the father are the primary informants for births. However, there is no equivalent provision for stillbirths. Section 47(2) specifies the informants for stillbirths occurring in "certain areas" (listed in Part V of the Act). This provision mostly focuses on stillbirths occurring out-of-facility. Under this provision, the father, if he was residing in the house where the stillbirth took place, is the primary informant. Moreover, this section foresees that "any person in attendance upon the mother at that time or within six hours thereafter" shall inform the medical authorities of any information they are aware of by filling in form W. Circlular 2-155/2015 provides that all health facilities are to declare stillbirths to the Registrar General.
Is stillbirth registration available and compulsory for all stillbirths occurring within the country's jurisdiction?
Allowed
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
The Births and Deaths Registration Act stipulates that it is the duty of the registrar to inform himself carefully of every stillbirth occurring in his division. Section 42 of the BDRA requires that a stillbirth be reported to the civil registrar before obtaining a permit for burial or cremation. This section applies to "Part V" areas, a provision that is no longer enforced. Circular 2-155 of 2015 requires all health facilities to declare stillbirths to the Registrar General and to provide a copy of the declaration form to the parents for use in registration. However, the obligation on parents to use this copy of declaration form for registration, is not clearly stated in the law.
Does the law require that health facility or health professional attending a stillbirth record or equivalent document to facilitate burial or cremation?
No
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
No relevant legal provisions under Sri Lankan laws.
Does the law require that funeral, burial and cremation services request proof of stillbirth registration or reporting?
Yes
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
Section 43(1) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act stipulates that "no person" shall bury, cremate, or dispose of a stillborn child unless a certificate has been obtained by one of the following: the registrar, the superintendent of the estate, or the medical practitioner in attendance. However, note that Section 43(1) only applies to stillbirths occurring in certain areas (listed in Part V of the Act) and Part V of the Act is no longer in effect. Therefore, even though the law stipulates that burial cannot take place without stillbirth registration, in practice, only stillbirths that occurred in Part V areas were subject to this provision before Part V areas became obsolete under the law.
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
No relevant legal provisions under Sri Lankan laws.
Law Source
Does the civil register contain a separate register for stillbirths, distinct from birth and death registers?
Yes
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
Under the Births and Deaths Registration Act, Form C is the stillbirth registrarion entry form, which is separate from the birth entry (form A) and death entry (Form B).
What is the reporting period for stillbirth registrations specified under the law?
Unclear
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
No relevant legal provisions under Sri Lankan laws.
Law Source
Where must stillbirths be reported?
Place of occurence
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
Under Section 10 of the Birth and Deaths Registration Act, stillbirths are reported at the place of occurrence. Moreover, under Circular 2-155 of 2015, the health sector declares the stillbirth to the registrar in the place of occurrence.
Under the Birth and Deaths Registration Act, the role of the health sector is unclear. The only existing provisions are limited to specific geographic areas, and do not apply to the whole territory: - According to Section 47(5) of the Act, any medical officer who receives information on stillbirths occurring in "certain areas" (listed in Part V of the Act), shall report it to the registrar within 7 days. - Under Section 48 of the Act, for stillbirths occurring in "certain areas" (listed in Part V of the Act), the heads of health facilities shall send weekly information to the registrar about any stillbirths having taken place in their facilities. These provisions, anyway, are no longer enforced. Nonetheless, the role of the health sector in stillbirth registration has been expanded by Circular 2-155 of 2015. This circular requires the health sector to send a copy of the form "Declaration of Still Birth" to the Registrar General and give a copy of the declaration to the parent for use in registration.
Who is the designated primary informant for declaring stillbirths to the civil registrar?
Unclear
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
The Birth and Deaths Registration Act does not clearly state who are the informants for stillbirths. Section 15 provides that the mother and the father are the primary informants for births. However, there is no equivalent provision for stillbirths. Section 47(2) specifies the informants for stillbirths occurring in "certain areas" (listed in Part V of the Act). This provision mostly focuses on stillbirths occurring out-of-facility. Under this provision, the father, if he was residing in the house where the stillbirth took place, is the primary informant. Moreover, this section foresees that "any person in attendance upon the mother at that time or within six hours thereafter" shall inform the medical authorities of any information they are aware of by filling in form W. Circlular 2-155/2015 provides that all health facilities are to declare stillbirths to the Registrar General.
Is stillbirth registration available and compulsory for all stillbirths occurring within the country's jurisdiction?
Allowed
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
The Births and Deaths Registration Act stipulates that it is the duty of the registrar to inform himself carefully of every stillbirth occurring in his division. Section 42 of the BDRA requires that a stillbirth be reported to the civil registrar before obtaining a permit for burial or cremation. This section applies to "Part V" areas, a provision that is no longer enforced. Circular 2-155 of 2015 requires all health facilities to declare stillbirths to the Registrar General and to provide a copy of the declaration form to the parents for use in registration. However, the obligation on parents to use this copy of declaration form for registration, is not clearly stated in the law.
Does the law require that health facility or health professional attending a stillbirth record or equivalent document to facilitate burial or cremation?
No
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
No relevant legal provisions under Sri Lankan laws.
Does the law require that funeral, burial and cremation services request proof of stillbirth registration or reporting?
Yes
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
Section 43(1) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act stipulates that "no person" shall bury, cremate, or dispose of a stillborn child unless a certificate has been obtained by one of the following: the registrar, the superintendent of the estate, or the medical practitioner in attendance. However, note that Section 43(1) only applies to stillbirths occurring in certain areas (listed in Part V of the Act) and Part V of the Act is no longer in effect. Therefore, even though the law stipulates that burial cannot take place without stillbirth registration, in practice, only stillbirths that occurred in Part V areas were subject to this provision before Part V areas became obsolete under the law.
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
No relevant legal provisions under Sri Lankan laws.
Law Source
Does the civil register contain a separate register for stillbirths, distinct from birth and death registers?
Yes
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
Under the Births and Deaths Registration Act, Form C is the stillbirth registrarion entry form, which is separate from the birth entry (form A) and death entry (Form B).
What is the reporting period for stillbirth registrations specified under the law?
Unclear
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
No relevant legal provisions under Sri Lankan laws.
Law Source
Where must stillbirths be reported?
Place of occurence
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
Under Section 10 of the Birth and Deaths Registration Act, stillbirths are reported at the place of occurrence. Moreover, under Circular 2-155 of 2015, the health sector declares the stillbirth to the registrar in the place of occurrence.
Under the Birth and Deaths Registration Act, the role of the health sector is unclear. The only existing provisions are limited to specific geographic areas, and do not apply to the whole territory: - According to Section 47(5) of the Act, any medical officer who receives information on stillbirths occurring in "certain areas" (listed in Part V of the Act), shall report it to the registrar within 7 days. - Under Section 48 of the Act, for stillbirths occurring in "certain areas" (listed in Part V of the Act), the heads of health facilities shall send weekly information to the registrar about any stillbirths having taken place in their facilities. These provisions, anyway, are no longer enforced. Nonetheless, the role of the health sector in stillbirth registration has been expanded by Circular 2-155 of 2015. This circular requires the health sector to send a copy of the form "Declaration of Still Birth" to the Registrar General and give a copy of the declaration to the parent for use in registration.
Who is the designated primary informant for declaring stillbirths to the civil registrar?
Unclear
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
The Birth and Deaths Registration Act does not clearly state who are the informants for stillbirths. Section 15 provides that the mother and the father are the primary informants for births. However, there is no equivalent provision for stillbirths. Section 47(2) specifies the informants for stillbirths occurring in "certain areas" (listed in Part V of the Act). This provision mostly focuses on stillbirths occurring out-of-facility. Under this provision, the father, if he was residing in the house where the stillbirth took place, is the primary informant. Moreover, this section foresees that "any person in attendance upon the mother at that time or within six hours thereafter" shall inform the medical authorities of any information they are aware of by filling in form W. Circlular 2-155/2015 provides that all health facilities are to declare stillbirths to the Registrar General.
Is stillbirth registration available and compulsory for all stillbirths occurring within the country's jurisdiction?
Allowed
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
The Births and Deaths Registration Act stipulates that it is the duty of the registrar to inform himself carefully of every stillbirth occurring in his division. Section 42 of the BDRA requires that a stillbirth be reported to the civil registrar before obtaining a permit for burial or cremation. This section applies to "Part V" areas, a provision that is no longer enforced. Circular 2-155 of 2015 requires all health facilities to declare stillbirths to the Registrar General and to provide a copy of the declaration form to the parents for use in registration. However, the obligation on parents to use this copy of declaration form for registration, is not clearly stated in the law.
Does the law require that health facility or health professional attending a stillbirth record or equivalent document to facilitate burial or cremation?
No
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
No relevant legal provisions under Sri Lankan laws.
Does the law require that funeral, burial and cremation services request proof of stillbirth registration or reporting?
Yes
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
Section 43(1) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act stipulates that "no person" shall bury, cremate, or dispose of a stillborn child unless a certificate has been obtained by one of the following: the registrar, the superintendent of the estate, or the medical practitioner in attendance. However, note that Section 43(1) only applies to stillbirths occurring in certain areas (listed in Part V of the Act) and Part V of the Act is no longer in effect. Therefore, even though the law stipulates that burial cannot take place without stillbirth registration, in practice, only stillbirths that occurred in Part V areas were subject to this provision before Part V areas became obsolete under the law.
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
No relevant legal provisions under Sri Lankan laws.
Law Source
Does the civil register contain a separate register for stillbirths, distinct from birth and death registers?
Yes
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
Under the Births and Deaths Registration Act, Form C is the stillbirth registrarion entry form, which is separate from the birth entry (form A) and death entry (Form B).
What is the reporting period for stillbirth registrations specified under the law?
Unclear
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
No relevant legal provisions under Sri Lankan laws.
Law Source
Where must stillbirths be reported?
Place of occurence
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
Under Section 10 of the Birth and Deaths Registration Act, stillbirths are reported at the place of occurrence. Moreover, under Circular 2-155 of 2015, the health sector declares the stillbirth to the registrar in the place of occurrence.
Under the Birth and Deaths Registration Act, the role of the health sector is unclear. The only existing provisions are limited to specific geographic areas, and do not apply to the whole territory: - According to Section 47(5) of the Act, any medical officer who receives information on stillbirths occurring in "certain areas" (listed in Part V of the Act), shall report it to the registrar within 7 days. - Under Section 48 of the Act, for stillbirths occurring in "certain areas" (listed in Part V of the Act), the heads of health facilities shall send weekly information to the registrar about any stillbirths having taken place in their facilities. These provisions, anyway, are no longer enforced. Nonetheless, the role of the health sector in stillbirth registration has been expanded by Circular 2-155 of 2015. This circular requires the health sector to send a copy of the form "Declaration of Still Birth" to the Registrar General and give a copy of the declaration to the parent for use in registration.
Who is the designated primary informant for declaring stillbirths to the civil registrar?
Unclear
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
The Birth and Deaths Registration Act does not clearly state who are the informants for stillbirths. Section 15 provides that the mother and the father are the primary informants for births. However, there is no equivalent provision for stillbirths. Section 47(2) specifies the informants for stillbirths occurring in "certain areas" (listed in Part V of the Act). This provision mostly focuses on stillbirths occurring out-of-facility. Under this provision, the father, if he was residing in the house where the stillbirth took place, is the primary informant. Moreover, this section foresees that "any person in attendance upon the mother at that time or within six hours thereafter" shall inform the medical authorities of any information they are aware of by filling in form W. Circlular 2-155/2015 provides that all health facilities are to declare stillbirths to the Registrar General.
Is stillbirth registration available and compulsory for all stillbirths occurring within the country's jurisdiction?
Allowed
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
The Births and Deaths Registration Act stipulates that it is the duty of the registrar to inform himself carefully of every stillbirth occurring in his division. Section 42 of the BDRA requires that a stillbirth be reported to the civil registrar before obtaining a permit for burial or cremation. This section applies to "Part V" areas, a provision that is no longer enforced. Circular 2-155 of 2015 requires all health facilities to declare stillbirths to the Registrar General and to provide a copy of the declaration form to the parents for use in registration. However, the obligation on parents to use this copy of declaration form for registration, is not clearly stated in the law.
Does the law require that health facility or health professional attending a stillbirth record or equivalent document to facilitate burial or cremation?
No
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
No relevant legal provisions under Sri Lankan laws.
Does the law require that funeral, burial and cremation services request proof of stillbirth registration or reporting?
Yes
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
Section 43(1) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act stipulates that "no person" shall bury, cremate, or dispose of a stillborn child unless a certificate has been obtained by one of the following: the registrar, the superintendent of the estate, or the medical practitioner in attendance. However, note that Section 43(1) only applies to stillbirths occurring in certain areas (listed in Part V of the Act) and Part V of the Act is no longer in effect. Therefore, even though the law stipulates that burial cannot take place without stillbirth registration, in practice, only stillbirths that occurred in Part V areas were subject to this provision before Part V areas became obsolete under the law.
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
No relevant legal provisions under Sri Lankan laws.
Law Source
Does the civil register contain a separate register for stillbirths, distinct from birth and death registers?
Yes
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
Under the Births and Deaths Registration Act, Form C is the stillbirth registrarion entry form, which is separate from the birth entry (form A) and death entry (Form B).
What is the reporting period for stillbirth registrations specified under the law?
Unclear
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
No relevant legal provisions under Sri Lankan laws.
Law Source
Where must stillbirths be reported?
Place of occurence
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
Under Section 10 of the Birth and Deaths Registration Act, stillbirths are reported at the place of occurrence. Moreover, under Circular 2-155 of 2015, the health sector declares the stillbirth to the registrar in the place of occurrence.
Under the Birth and Deaths Registration Act, the role of the health sector is unclear. The only existing provisions are limited to specific geographic areas, and do not apply to the whole territory: - According to Section 47(5) of the Act, any medical officer who receives information on stillbirths occurring in "certain areas" (listed in Part V of the Act), shall report it to the registrar within 7 days. - Under Section 48 of the Act, for stillbirths occurring in "certain areas" (listed in Part V of the Act), the heads of health facilities shall send weekly information to the registrar about any stillbirths having taken place in their facilities. These provisions, anyway, are no longer enforced. Nonetheless, the role of the health sector in stillbirth registration has been expanded by Circular 2-155 of 2015. This circular requires the health sector to send a copy of the form "Declaration of Still Birth" to the Registrar General and give a copy of the declaration to the parent for use in registration.
Who is the designated primary informant for declaring stillbirths to the civil registrar?
Unclear
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
The Birth and Deaths Registration Act does not clearly state who are the informants for stillbirths. Section 15 provides that the mother and the father are the primary informants for births. However, there is no equivalent provision for stillbirths. Section 47(2) specifies the informants for stillbirths occurring in "certain areas" (listed in Part V of the Act). This provision mostly focuses on stillbirths occurring out-of-facility. Under this provision, the father, if he was residing in the house where the stillbirth took place, is the primary informant. Moreover, this section foresees that "any person in attendance upon the mother at that time or within six hours thereafter" shall inform the medical authorities of any information they are aware of by filling in form W. Circlular 2-155/2015 provides that all health facilities are to declare stillbirths to the Registrar General.
Is stillbirth registration available and compulsory for all stillbirths occurring within the country's jurisdiction?
Allowed
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
The Births and Deaths Registration Act stipulates that it is the duty of the registrar to inform himself carefully of every stillbirth occurring in his division. Section 42 of the BDRA requires that a stillbirth be reported to the civil registrar before obtaining a permit for burial or cremation. This section applies to "Part V" areas, a provision that is no longer enforced. Circular 2-155 of 2015 requires all health facilities to declare stillbirths to the Registrar General and to provide a copy of the declaration form to the parents for use in registration. However, the obligation on parents to use this copy of declaration form for registration, is not clearly stated in the law.
Does the law require that health facility or health professional attending a stillbirth record or equivalent document to facilitate burial or cremation?
No
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
No relevant legal provisions under Sri Lankan laws.
Does the law require that funeral, burial and cremation services request proof of stillbirth registration or reporting?
Yes
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
Section 43(1) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act stipulates that "no person" shall bury, cremate, or dispose of a stillborn child unless a certificate has been obtained by one of the following: the registrar, the superintendent of the estate, or the medical practitioner in attendance. However, note that Section 43(1) only applies to stillbirths occurring in certain areas (listed in Part V of the Act) and Part V of the Act is no longer in effect. Therefore, even though the law stipulates that burial cannot take place without stillbirth registration, in practice, only stillbirths that occurred in Part V areas were subject to this provision before Part V areas became obsolete under the law.
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
No relevant legal provisions under Sri Lankan laws.
Law Source
Does the civil register contain a separate register for stillbirths, distinct from birth and death registers?
Yes
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
Under the Births and Deaths Registration Act, Form C is the stillbirth registrarion entry form, which is separate from the birth entry (form A) and death entry (Form B).
What is the reporting period for stillbirth registrations specified under the law?
Unclear
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
No relevant legal provisions under Sri Lankan laws.
Law Source
Where must stillbirths be reported?
Place of occurence
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
Under Section 10 of the Birth and Deaths Registration Act, stillbirths are reported at the place of occurrence. Moreover, under Circular 2-155 of 2015, the health sector declares the stillbirth to the registrar in the place of occurrence.
Under the Birth and Deaths Registration Act, the role of the health sector is unclear. The only existing provisions are limited to specific geographic areas, and do not apply to the whole territory: - According to Section 47(5) of the Act, any medical officer who receives information on stillbirths occurring in "certain areas" (listed in Part V of the Act), shall report it to the registrar within 7 days. - Under Section 48 of the Act, for stillbirths occurring in "certain areas" (listed in Part V of the Act), the heads of health facilities shall send weekly information to the registrar about any stillbirths having taken place in their facilities. These provisions, anyway, are no longer enforced. Nonetheless, the role of the health sector in stillbirth registration has been expanded by Circular 2-155 of 2015. This circular requires the health sector to send a copy of the form "Declaration of Still Birth" to the Registrar General and give a copy of the declaration to the parent for use in registration.
Who is the designated primary informant for declaring stillbirths to the civil registrar?
Unclear
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
The Birth and Deaths Registration Act does not clearly state who are the informants for stillbirths. Section 15 provides that the mother and the father are the primary informants for births. However, there is no equivalent provision for stillbirths. Section 47(2) specifies the informants for stillbirths occurring in "certain areas" (listed in Part V of the Act). This provision mostly focuses on stillbirths occurring out-of-facility. Under this provision, the father, if he was residing in the house where the stillbirth took place, is the primary informant. Moreover, this section foresees that "any person in attendance upon the mother at that time or within six hours thereafter" shall inform the medical authorities of any information they are aware of by filling in form W. Circlular 2-155/2015 provides that all health facilities are to declare stillbirths to the Registrar General.
Is stillbirth registration available and compulsory for all stillbirths occurring within the country's jurisdiction?
Allowed
Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines
Law Source
Sri Lanka
Legal Analysis
The Births and Deaths Registration Act stipulates that it is the duty of the registrar to inform himself carefully of every stillbirth occurring in his division. Section 42 of the BDRA requires that a stillbirth be reported to the civil registrar before obtaining a permit for burial or cremation. This section applies to "Part V" areas, a provision that is no longer enforced. Circular 2-155 of 2015 requires all health facilities to declare stillbirths to the Registrar General and to provide a copy of the declaration form to the parents for use in registration. However, the obligation on parents to use this copy of declaration form for registration, is not clearly stated in the law.
