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REGISTRATION OF THE BIRTH OF A CHILD

OUTSIDE SRI LANKA UNDER THE CITIZENSHIP ACT

1. An application for registration should be made in duplicate on form Citizenship 1, which can be obtained from this office by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

2. When the application is duly completed and signed, it should be forwarded to this office by registered post, with the following documents.

(a) Valid Passports of both parents

(b) Original and photocopy - Marriage Certificate of the parents

(d) A Declaration from the father of the child that he has not acquired the nationality or citizenship of any other country as at the date of birth of the child.

(e) Photocopy of Canadian Immigration Document (Landed Immigrant Certificate, Work Permit, Minister’s Permit etc.) valid at the time of the application.

(f) Payment of C$40.00 to cover fees and postage (please see paragraph 11 below).

(g) Two Passport size photographes of the child. Both should be attested, stating that it is a true photo of the child, giving the child’s name as it appears in the Birth Certificate. The attestation should be done by a PERSON OF STANDING who has personal knowledge of the applicant and who is NOT HIMSELF A MEMBER OF THE APPLICANTS FAMILY.

(h) A self-addressed envelope 24x16cm for the return of the Passports. Please print full name and address legibly including postal code. DO NOT send stamps as postage is included in the fee.

3. If the application is made after the expiry of the prescribed period of one year from the date of birth of the child, an explanation of the circumstances which led to the delay should be furnished.

4. An extract from the Citizenship Act is appended for your information :

"...a person born outside Ceylon on or after the appointed date (i.e. November 15, 1948) shall have the status of a Citizen of Ceylon by descent if at the time of his birth his father is a Citizen of Ceylon, and if, within one year from the date of birth, or within such further period as the Minister may for good cause allow, the birth is registered..."

In addition to the Registration of a birth outside Sri Lanka under the Citizenship Act, as provided for above, the birth of a Sri Lankan citizen in Canada may also be registered under the Births and Deaths Registration Act of Sri Lanka. Instructions regarding application for such registration are given below :

REGISTRATION OF BIRTHS UNDER THE BIRTHS AND DEATHS REGISTRATION ACT OF SRI LANKA

5. Diplomatic Officers of this High Commission function as Additional District Registrars within any district in Sri Lanka, within the meaning of the Birth and Deaths Registration Act of Sri Lanka. They can register the birth or death of a citizen of Sri Lanka which occurs in Canada.

6. An application for registration of a birth under this Act must be made and the registration effected within three months of the birth. Applications received after three months, but within one year can be accepted and the birth registered, after recording the reasons for the delay in making applications.

7. The child born must be a citizen of Sri Lanka - in terms of Section 7(1) of the Consular Functions Act - and the birth must have taken place in Canada. The father of the child should be a citizen of Sri Lanka at the time of the child’s birth.

8. Applications should be made in a form available in this office. Applications should be forwarded, together with the following documents :

(a) Birth Certificate of the child issued by the authorities in Canada. Such Birth Certificate should contain the names of the father and the mother.

(b) Passport of the father of the child.

(d) An application for the registration of the birth under the Citizenship Act (Please see instructions on column 1.)

(e) A remittance of C$40.00 to cover the processing fee and postage (Please see paragraph 11 below)

9. Once an application is processed, the applicant will be required to call at this office at an appointed date and time. Arrangements will be made to register the birth and issue him with a copy during the course of the day.

10. Endorsement of the child’s name in the Passport of one of the parents.

In the case of a child born in Canada, his/her name will be endorsed in the Passport only after the birth has been registered in this office under one of the above Acts. A separate application should be made on Form O which can be obtained from this office. A request for such an endorsement should be supported with :

(I) The original Marriage Certificate of the parents

(ii) The original Birth Certificate of the child

(iii) Letter of consent from the father for endorsement on the mother’s passport, or vice-versa.

(iv) Passport of the other parent, as applicable (for reference and return)

(v) One passport size photograph and one 33 mm photograph (stamp size) of the child. These should be black and white and matt finish. The reverse of the Passport size photograph should be attested, stating that it is a true photograph of the child, giving the child’s name as it appears in the Birth Certificate. The attestation should be done by a PERSON OF STANDING, who has personal knowledge of the applicant and who is NOT HIMSELF A MEMBER OF THE APPLICANTS FAMILY.

11. Mode of Payment : All payments should be made by Money Order or Certified Bank Cheque, drawn in favour of the SRI LANKA HIGH COMMISSION. Personal cheques are not accepted. A government official receipt will be issued for all payments made to the High Commission.

12. Refunds : In the event of an applicant’s inability to comply with the requirements laid down above, or if the application is withdrawn at a subsequent date, applicants are advised that no refunds will be considered.

If you need any further clarifications please do not hesitate to contact the Consular Division of this Mission.

THESE INSTRUCTIONS SUPERSEDE ALL PREVIOUS INSTRUCTIONS ON THIS SUBJECT

March 1999

Consular Divison
Sri Lanka High Commission - Ottawa