Selling land, managing property or sorting out family paperwork in Sri Lanka from abroad usually means getting documents recognised in both countries. This page explains attestation, how to give someone a power of attorney from overseas, and how to get certificate copies without travelling.
Quick answers
- Is Sri Lanka in the apostille system? Not as at mid-2026, so documents are 'attested' (legalised) rather than apostilled.
- Power of attorney from abroad? Sign it before a Sri Lankan embassy or consular officer with two witnesses, then register it in Sri Lanka within 3 months.
- Birth, marriage or death certificates? Copies can be requested online from the Registrar General's Department.
Attestation: getting documents recognised
Because Sri Lanka isn't part of the apostille convention, documents are recognised through attestation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Consular Affairs Division attests Sri Lankan documents (such as birth and marriage certificates, police reports and powers of attorney) through its online system, linked to Sri Lankan missions abroad. Foreign documents for use in Sri Lanka are generally attested by the Sri Lankan embassy or high commission in the country that issued them.
Giving a power of attorney from abroad
- Have the power of attorney drawn up, ideally by or with a Sri Lankan lawyer, so it covers exactly what's needed (for example selling a specific property).
- Sign it in front of two witnesses before a Sri Lankan ambassador, high commissioner, diplomatic or consular officer (or another person authorised under the law of that country).
- Send the original to your attorney in Sri Lanka.
- It must be registered with the Registrar General's Department within 3 months of signing, with a notary-certified copy, an affidavit, certified ID copies of both of you, and a copy of your passport bio page certified by you.
Watch out
- A power of attorney can give someone wide control over your property and money. Keep it as narrow as possible, for a specific purpose and time, and choose your attorney carefully. See our guide to choosing trusted people back home.
Certificate copies online
- Birth, marriage and death certificate copies can be requested through the Registrar General's Department online service.
- Land registry extracts can be requested online too.
- If a Sri Lankan dies abroad, the death can be registered through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Consular Affairs Division.
Official contacts
- Consular Affairs Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: consular@mfa.gov.lk, +94 112 275 575 (regional offices in Jaffna, Matara, Kandy, Kurunegala and Trincomalee).
- Registrar General's Department: any zonal or district office can register a power of attorney.