Foreign Ministry launches digital authentication for key documents

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced new procedures for the online authentication of birth, marriage, and death certificates.

In collaboration with the Registrar General’s Department, the Ministry officially launched this online authentication service on Monday (2).

This new system allows Sri Lankan citizens to apply for certificate authentication through the Consular Affairs Division’s online platform. Once authenticated, the certificates are sent directly to applicants via email, eliminating the need for in-person visits to apply for or collect documents, according to the Ministry.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry emphasized the importance of digitizing document authentication services to improve public access and efficiency. He noted that the Ministry’s digital transition began with the online verification of GCE O/L and A/L certificates in partnership with the Department of Examinations, marking a significant step forward.

The introduction of online authentication for birth, marriage, and death certificates represents another milestone in this digitization effort.

Minister Sabry also highlighted that educational certificates, along with birth, marriage, and death certificates, account for approximately 55% of the documents authenticated daily by the Consular Affairs Division.

The Ministry further stated that the Consular Affairs Division has expanded its online document authentication services by integrating its Electronic Document Authentication System (e-DAS) with other key government agencies and institutions, including local universities, the Sri Lanka Medical Council, Sri Lanka Police, the Department of Motor Traffic, TVEC, the Department of the Registrar of Companies, the British Council, and trade chambers. This integration ensures that document authentication services are more accessible and streamlined for the public.

To authenticate birth, marriage, and death certificates online, applicants should follow these steps:

1. Visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ official website and submit an application through the designated online portal: https://mfa.gov.lk/online-consular-services/

2. After submission, applicants will receive a link for payment of the required fees, which must be completed online.

3. Once the payment is processed, the authenticated document will be emailed to the applicant. This customer copy can then be presented to relevant foreign missions as necessary.