Marriage in Sri Lanka

Can I legally get married in Sri Lanka?

Marriage in Sri Lanka – The answer is yes. Once you have married in Sri Lanka you must get your marriage certificate certified by the Consular Affairs Section of the Ministry of External Affairs in Colombo for the marriage certificate be legally recognised outside of Sri Lanka.

What’s the procedure?

Need to be in the country 14 working days prior to the marriage.

The legal requirements for Registration of Marriages of Foreign Nationals in Sri Lanka are very straightforward. You are required to produce the following documents to the Divisional/District Registrar of the area where your marriage would take place. The following original documents are required.

• Photocopy of birth certificate (original to be presented prior to the wedding day)
• Photocopy of valid passport (original to be presented prior to the wedding day)
• Details of the names, addresses and occupations of the couple to be married
• Details of parents’ names, occupations and addresses
• An affidavit confirming the marital status of the bride and groom prior to the wedding. Should be signed by a Solicitor with the company stamp.
• If either party to the marriage is divorced, a Decree Absolute proving the lawful termination of the previous marriage must be presented prior to the wedding ceremony
• If widowed, Death Certificate of the former spouse of the previous marriage
• If names have been changed prior to the wedding, legal proof of a change of name.

If you are outside Sri Lanka

You may use the link provided under “Office Locations & Contacts” to get in touch with the nearest Embassy of Sri Lanka in the country you are currently staying. The Embassy”s consular section will be able to help process your request to obtain a certified copy of a marriage certificate in Sri Lanka.

You must get your marriage certificate certified by the Consular Affairs Section of the Ministry of External Affairs in Colombo (02nd Floor, Ceylinco Building, Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo 01) and then get it counter certified by this Mission within one year. If the certificate issued in Sinhalese/ Tamil language you may obtain official English translation from the Register General Office (www.rgdept.lk) and certified that as well by the Ministry of External Affairs and by this Mission. Only then will your marriage certificate be valid to submit to authorities outside of Sri Lanka

Can I marry a Sri Lankan?

The answer is yes. A foreigner married to a Sri Lankan citizen is entitled to apply for a Residence Visa on the basis of the marriage.

Marriage to a Muslim is not straightforward.

The Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act supersedes the general constitution. Even though Sri Lanka is a Buddhist-majority country and there is a strong religious freedom clause in the constitution, the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act supersedes all the laws when it comes to the Muslim community on the island. This act has been the point of much discord for many years, as it does not protect Muslim girls from underage marriage and legal polygamy from husbands. It controls all aspects of a woman’s role in the realm of marriage and divorce.

As a foreigner, this law will apply if you fall in love with a Muslim person because they will not be able to legally marry you and it will probably create much discord with their family.

Important links

US Embassy in Colombo marriage in Sri Lanka article

How to get a Sri Lankan residence visa

Important contacts

Department of Registrar General

No: 234 /A3, Denzil Kobbakaduwa Mawatha, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka.

Mr. S.M.W.B. Sandiligama : Telephones:+94-11-2889488 / +94-11-288948

Last Modified: April 16, 2024