The phrase that appears again and again in Sri Lankan requirements is worth memorising: an original document, or a copy certified by the Consular Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Sri Lanka. That certification is the country’s standard way of validating a document, and it is done in Colombo, not here.
Quick facts
The practical consequence: if you would rather not post an irreplaceable original across the world, arrange for someone in Sri Lanka to obtain a ministry-certified copy instead. It is accepted in place of the original in most Sri Lankan files.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Issued by |
|---|---|---|
| Ministry-certified copy | Charged in Sri Lanka | Consular division, Colombo |
| Notarisation in the U.S. | $5–$25 per signature | Notary public or honorary consul |
| State authentication | $3–$25 per document | Secretary of State |
| Consular attestation | Published tariff | At the embassy |
| Translation | Per page | Where documents are not in English |
An affidavit supporting a citizenship application may be sworn before an honorary consul or a notary public in the United States, unless the application is submitted in person at the embassy. That is a genuine convenience for people far from Washington.
How to prepare a document
- Ask whether the file will accept a ministry-certified copy instead of the original.
- If so, have someone in Sri Lanka obtain it from the consular division.
- For U.S. documents, notarise where needed and obtain the state authentication.
- Arrange translations into English where applicable.
- Submit with a money order or certified check and a tracked return envelope.
Required documents
- Original document, or a ministry-certified copy.
- English translation where required.
- Copy of your identification.
- Money order or certified check.
- Tracked return envelope.
What the embassy does
It issues passports and temporary travel documents, processes dual citizenship and resumption files, issues consular birth certificates and citizenship certificates, attests documents and assists Sri Lankan nationals in difficulty.
No offices currently listed.
Additional notes
Block capitals
The personal particulars form must be completed in block capitals and in full. The embassy states that incomplete applications will be rejected.
Nothing is refunded
Rejected and returned applications do not get their consular fees back. Check twice.
Certified copies save originals
Where the original would otherwise travel by international post, the ministry-certified copy is the safer route.
Order two
Sri Lankan offices keep what they receive, and obtaining documents from Colombo takes time.