The Citizenship (Amendment) Act No. 45 of 1987 provides for the resumption or retention of Sri Lanka citizenship (Dual Citizenship) whilst being a citizen of a country other than Sri Lanka. A Sri Lankan citizen could apply to resume his/her Sri Lanka citizenship after obtaining the citizenship of another country or apply to retain his Sri Lankan citizenship before obtaining the citizenship of another country.

Dual citizenship would be granted only on applications, made on Form CIT/19 (A) in duplicate and directed to the following address.

Assistant Secretary
Citizenship Division
Department of Immigration and Emigration
No. 41, Ananda Rajakaruna Mawatha
Colombo 10
Sri Lanka.

Tel No. 94 11 5333365, 5333162,

Fax No. 94 11 5678595

Mobile No. 94 77 7227775

Application forms may be obtained from the Embassy of Sri Lanka by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Application Process :-

1. The applicant should fill in the application form CIT/19 (A) completely and furnish the supporting documents required in the note appearing on page 5 of the application form.
   
   
2. The particulars to be submitted by the applicants are in three categories:
   
   a. Particulars relating to the applicant such as educational qualifications; occupation; date and place of birth; nationality; details of spouse; etc.
   
   b. Particulars relating to applicant's citizenship of Sri Lanka.
   
   c. Particulars relating to benefits that will accrue to Sri Lanka by applicant's resumption/retention of Sri Lanka citizenship.
   
   
3. Affidavit - Applicants need to make an affidavit before a Justice of Peace prior to submitting the application.
   
   
4. According to the Note on page 5 of the application form, the originals of the following documents should be submitted:-
   
   a. Birth certificate of applicant
   
   b. Birth certificate of applicant's father
   
   c. Birth certificate of applicant's mother.
   
   d. Birth certificate of applicant's paternal grandfather.
   
   e. If applicant's father was born in a country outside Sri Lanka, birth certificate or details such as date and place of birth of the applicant's
   paternal great grandfather.
   
   f. If the applicant is a citizen of Sri Lanka by registration a certified
   photocopy of the relevant certificate.
   
   g. Certified photocopy of pages 2 & 3 of the present Sri Lankan
   passport.
   
   h. Marriage certificate
   
   The original documents including passports that are submitted to this Embassy will be returned to the applicant after photocopies
   have been obtained to be attached to the application
   
   
5. The following documentary information should also be submitted:
   
   a. Documentary proof of remittances to Sri Lanka within the last 4 years.
   
   b. Documentary proof of the applicant's assets. (land, investments, shares, Bank deposits, etc.)
   
   c. Intended investment in Sri Lanka substantiated with documentary evidence.
   
   d. A statement on how Sri Lanka will benefit if the applicant is granted dual citizenship.
   
   e. Documentary proof of professional achievements and occupation.
   
   
6. When the documents are legalized by US lawyers, it is necessary to authenticate the lawyer's endorsement by the seal of the State government where the applicant resides confirming that the lawyer is registered and recognized by that State. The State seal
   should in turn be certified by the US Department of State in Washington DC before it is sent to the Embassy for authentication.
   
   
7. The Embassy charges a fee of $ 25.00 for authentication of the documents.
   
   
8. If the documents are to be returned to the applicant by mail the postage fee for one of the following options should be included.
   Please send a money order or a certified check. Please note that Personal Checks will not be accepted.
   
   Registered Mail - $ 10.00
   US Postal Express - $ 18.00
   Federal Express - $ 24.00
   
   
9. Authenticated application with affidavit duly signed should be sent to the Secretary, Ministry of Interior (Citizenship Division) in Sri Lanka.
   
   
10. The Embassy will forward applications for dual citizenship to the Ministry of Interior in Sri Lanka if a specific request is made by the applicant. In this case the application will be forwarded by the Embassy with a covering letter addressed to the Secretary, Ministry of Interior and a copy of the letter will be sent to the applicant for information.
    
    
11. Once the application for dual citizenship is approved, the relevant fees should be paid to the Citizenship Division of the Ministry of Interior.
    
    Principal Applicant Rs 200,000
    Each family member Rs 50,000
    
    
12. Please note that the applications for dual citizenship are also processed by the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United
    Nations in New York and the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Los Angeles.
    
    
13. For further information please contact the Consular Division of the Embassy of Sri Lanka, Washington DC.

Notes

i. This Embassy is not responsible for any document lost in the post.
ii. Submission of forged documents and making false declarations relating to citizenship is a punishable offence. Fees will not be
refunded in these circumstances.
iii. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

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