The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, in partnership with the Registrar General’s Department, has introduced a pilot project to enable overseas Sri Lankans to obtain certified copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates online through Sri Lankan diplomatic missions.
This initiative provides Sri Lanka’s embassies and consulates with access to the e-BMD (electronic Birth, Marriage, and Death certificate) database, simplifying the process for expatriates.
Key Highlights of the Project
- Pilot Implementation:
The project is being launched initially in seven locations:- Tokyo (Japan)
- Kuwait
- Doha (Qatar)
- Milan (Italy)
- Toronto (Canada)
- Melbourne (Australia)
- Dubai (UAE)
- Process Simplified:
Applicants can now submit requests at their respective missions, where authorized personnel will retrieve and issue certified copies directly from the e-BMD database. This eliminates the need for representatives in Sri Lanka to handle document requests. - Expansion Plans:
The service will gradually extend to other Sri Lankan diplomatic missions worldwide, aiming to enhance consular efficiency for the diaspora.
Virtual Launch Ceremony
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath inaugurated the project at the Ministry, joined by Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra, Ministry Secretary Aruni Ranaraja, Registrar General W.R.A.N.S. Wijayasinghe, and senior officials from the Presidential Secretariat and the Registrar General’s Department.
Digitalization Milestone
Minister Herath lauded the initiative as a landmark in Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to digitalize public services. He emphasized the importance of extending such advancements to Sri Lankans abroad, highlighting the project’s rapid design and implementation within two months.
Application Procedure
Sri Lankan expatriates in the selected pilot locations can now:
- Obtain application forms from their respective missions or consulates.
- Submit completed forms to request certified copies of birth, marriage, or death certificates.
This system is expected to streamline the documentation process for Sri Lankans living abroad, offering greater convenience and efficiency in handling essential records.
