How to Get Sworn Translations in Sri Lanka for Visa Purposes?
When applying for a student visa, job visa, or visit visa, one of the most common requirements is to submit your official documents in English or another accepted language.
Documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, educational certificates, NICs, and Deeds often need to be translated accurately and legally.
However, many people are unsure how and where to obtain Sworn Translations in Sri Lanka or what makes a translation valid for visa purposes.
As a Sworn Translator registered with the Ministry of Justice, I’ve prepared this complete guide to help you understand the process, avoid mistakes, and get your translations done correctly and legally.
Who Can Provide Sworn or Certified Translations in Sri Lanka?
In Sri Lanka, Sworn Translators are the only professionals authorized to produce official translations valid for visa and legal purposes.
These translators are appointed by the Ministry of Justice and have taken an oath before a District Court, which gives legal recognition to their translations.
Because of this official appointment, translations certified by a Sworn Translator are accepted by embassies, consulates, and immigration authorities worldwide.
How to Find a Sworn Translator
The Ministry of Justice maintains a complete list of all Sworn Translators in Sri Lanka, along with their names, addresses, and contact numbers.
You can search for a translator by district and language pair using the official search portal. You may also download the full national directory as a PDF here
Sworn Translator Registration List (1958–2024) and here
Registration Numbers from year 2024-2025.
Always verify that the translator you select appears on this list before obtaining any translation service.
Translations Directly from the Government
For certain documents such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, you can also obtain English translations directly from the Registrar General’s Department (RGD).
These translations are generally issued within five working days from the main office in Battaramulla or regional branches.
However, this service is limited only to those three types of certificates and does not cover educational or legal documents.
More information is available on the Registrar General's Department website.
.
Although these government translations are recognized, they are not considered superior to sworn translations. Both are equally valid under Sri Lankan law.
Types of Documents a Sworn Translator Can Translate
Sworn Translators are authorized to translate all types of legal and official documents except for O/L and A/L certificates, which must be translated through the Ministry of Education.
You can request official translations of examination certificates directly through the Department of Examinations portal.
Do You Need a Lawyer or Notary to Re-Certify a Sworn Translation?
Absolutely not.
This is a common misconception spread by some visa agents.
Once a translation is certified by a Sworn Translator, it is already legally valid and does not require any additional certification from a lawyer or notary.
The confusion arises because certain countries mention “notarized translations” in their visa guidelines.
In those countries, translators are not government-appointed, so they have to get their translations notarized to prove authenticity.
In Sri Lanka, however, sworn translations already carry official legal authority. Also, even according to those guidelines translator is required to provide an affidavit only when he is not a a certified translator, and "a certified translator" is defined
in this official guide by Canada visa, as
“...is a member in good standing whose certification can be confirmed by a seal or stamp that shows the translator’s membership number of a professional translation association in Canada or abroad.”
Attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Although it is not compulsory, you can enhance the validity and acceptance of your translations by getting them attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).
Attestation serves as a confirmation by the Sri Lankan Government that the translation was performed by an officially registered Sworn Translator.
MFA attestation can be done at the Consular Division branches in Battaramulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Trincomalee, Matara, and Jaffna.
You can also complete the process online via:
Consular Registration
or book appointments online via
eChannelling
.
Important Guidelines When Submitting Documents for Attestation
- For birth, marriage, and death certificates issued before 2008, translations must be done from copies reissued by the respective Divisional Secretariat, not from the old originals.
- National Identity Cards (NIC) are not accepted for attestation.
- For school records such as leaving certificates, ensure they are certified by the relevant school and Zonal Education Office before translation.
- For affidavits signed before a Justice of the Peace or Commissioner for Oaths, ensure the document is countersigned by the Registrar of the Supreme Court.
- Powers of Attorney signed before a Notary Public also fall under the same condition.
- Confirmation of Residence certificates issued by a Grama Niladhari must be countersigned by the Divisional Secretary.
- A government fee is applicable for attestation.
- MFA attestation is valid for one year from the date of issue.
Language Requirements for Different Countries
For most visa purposes, you can submit translations either in English or in the official language of the destination country.
Even for countries like Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Korea or China English translations are generally accepted.
In Sri Lanka, Sworn Translators for certain European or Asian languages are limited, so obtaining an English translation is usually sufficient.
Validity Period and Paper Format of Translations
Officially, sworn translations do not have an expiry period.
However, some embassies may prefer translations completed within the past six months.
MFA attestations remain valid for one year.
Some translators issue their documents on yellow paper, while others use official letterheads.
Both are legally valid, as what truly matters is that the translation is accurate, complete, and bears the translator’s official seal and signature.
Need Certified Translations for Your Visa Documents?
Whether you’re applying for a visa, university admission, or employment abroad, your documents must be officially translated by a Sworn Translator recognized in Sri Lanka. At Lexique Language Solutions, we translate Birth, Marriage, and Educational Certificates, Police Reports, Deeds, and other official documents with precision, speed, and complete legal validity.
Our flexible online service allows you to simply send scanned copies and receive your certified translations ready for embassy or court use
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