Birth Registration

Sri Lanka

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Sri Lanka Birth Registration ID and Related Services

ID and Related Services

Unique Personal Identifier (UPI)

Is a Unique Personal Identifier (UPI) assigned at birth registration for every child born in the country?

Yes

Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines

The UN guidance recommends that a unique personal identifier (UPI) is assigned and entered into the birth record for every child born within the territory of the country, regardless of citizenship, ethnicity, nationality, or residency status. This facilitates the linkage of records in the CR and ID systems.
Law Source
UNGOLF para 268

Sri Lanka Legal Analysis

Yes, a 12-digit serial number is to be issued for all new birth certificates since July 2020. This number can be used to obtain a national ID card, when a citizen completes 15 years of age.
Law Source

Registration Linked to Access to Key Services and Other Incentives

Is proof of birth registration required in order to access any public services?

Yes

Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines

Birth certificate should be requested to access public services, such as child immunizations and wellness checks, school enrolllment, etc. Absence of a birth certificate should not prevent the child from accessing healthcare, education, or other services. However, if health workers (such as vaccination workers, doctors, nurses) or other public servants see an unregistered child, they can use the opportunity to report the birth or educate the parents about birth registration.
Law Source
UNGOLF para 551

Sri Lanka Legal Analysis

Yes, in practice and through laws (not the BDRA), birth certificates are required to obtain National ID card, drivers license, passport, admission to schools, marriage and voter registrations and insurance.Though the Registration of Persons Act 1971 (for National ID), Motor Traffic Act 1951 (for driver's license) and Registration of Electors Act 1980 (for voter registration) do not make a birth certificate mandatory in law to acquire respective documents, in practice birth certificates are requested to issue National ID, driver's license and voter ID.
Law Source
Ministry of Education Circular No. 24/2018 dated 31 May 2018
Marriage Registration Ordinance
Ministry of Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development & Cultural Affairs Circular No. 01/2016

National ID

Is proof of birth registration required by law to issue a national ID card?

No

Recommended Practice based on International Guidelines

For those born in the country, birth registration should be required in order to register for a national ID. For refugees, migrants or stateless persons born outside the country and lacking proof of birth registration from country of origin, the law should provide alternative means to validate their identity and obtain identity credentials.
Law Source
UNGOLF para 19, 64, 440, 549-550

Sri Lanka Legal Analysis

Though the law (BDRA) does not mention this, there is a requirement in practice to produce a birth certificate or an extract of birth certificate in order to register for a National ID card. Registration of Persons Act 1971 (for National ID) does not make a birth certificate mandatory in law to issue national ID either.
Law Source