The Foreign Ministry, or Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka is crucial in the process of conveying the interests of the country in the international arena. Be it through considering the needs of the Sri Lankan citizens in foreign countries, releasing diplomatic policies, and taking up certifications and authentications of documents, or releasing consular services, the Ministry is at the epicenter of international relations in the country.
In this article, we will discuss the role of the Ministry, spheres of its service (particularly document attestation and consular assistance), information about contacts, branches, and the possibility to arrange an appointment online such as the one on the cosmetic process.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is the major government body to control the foreign relation of Sri Lanka. It helps in international cooperation, provides protection of the Sri Lankan citizens who are abroad, and takes the side of the government in terms of its foreign and international affairs.
The Ministry is an agency under the patronage of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and operates in administering the diplomatic missions of Sri Lanka abroad i.e. Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates in general.
Are you interested in working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs? Check the latest Ministry of Foreign Affairs vacancies, positions, and application details.
Overview and Contact Information
| Established | 1948 |
| Headquarters | Colombo |
| Jurisdiction | Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic Building, Sir Baron Jayathilake, Mawatha, Colombo 01, |
| Telephone | +94 112 325 373, +94 112 325 375, +94 112 207 200, +94 112 207 207 |
| Fax | +94 112 446 091, +94 112 333 450, +94 112 430 220 |
| cypher@mfa.gov.lk | |
| Website | mfa.gov.lk |
| X | x.com/MFA_SriLanka |
| web.facebook.com/mfa.gov.lk |
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| instagram.com/mfa_srilanka |
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| YouTube | youtube.com/user/SLMFA |
| Important Links | |
| Online Consular Services | Click Here |
| Visa Facility | Click Here |
| Get An Online Appointment For Attestation | Click Here |
Working Hours:
Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:15 PM
Closed on weekends and public holidays
Key Responsibilities of the Foreign Ministry
The work of the Ministry covers the diplomatic (administrative, and citizen service areas) such as:
- Representing Sri Lanka in international bodies (UN, SAARC etc).
- Bilateral and multilateral management relations.
- Taking care of the foreign affairs and international agreements.
- Foster economic relations and trade ties.
- Legal document issuing of attestation and certification.
- Civil representation of Sri Lankan citizens within and out of the country.
- Organizing emergency consular services to the Sri Lankans when they find themselves in distress.
Major Divisions of the Foreign Ministry
The Ministry is organized into several key divisions, each focusing on specific functions:
1. Consular Affairs Division
This division offers essential services to both Sri Lankans living abroad and foreigners dealing with Sri Lanka. Services include:
- Passport verification
- Visa recommendations
- Document attestation
- Handling death and repatriation cases
- Providing assistance during crises (e.g., natural disasters, accidents)
2. General Administration Division
The General Administration Division handles internal operations such as:
- Staff recruitment and management
- Administrative coordination with Sri Lanka Missions abroad
- Budget planning and logistical operations
3. Protocol Division
This is the branch through which diplomatic interactions, functions and diplomatic privileges and immunities are handled.
Document Attestation at the Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry
What is attestation?
Attestation is the process of verifying the authenticity of a document so it can be legally recognized in another country. This service is often needed for:
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Educational certificates
- Legal affidavits
- Power of attorney
- Commercial documents
Why is attestation required?
The foreign governments and institutions normally demand attested documents to process the visa, employment, engage in higher studies or carry out legal transactions.
Foreign Ministry Attestation Process
How to Get Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry Attestation
To have your documents attested, you must:
- Make origination documents and requisite photocopies.
- Make sure that documents are pre-attested by the competent Sri Lankan authorities (e.g. the Ministry of Education in case of certificates).
- Make an online visit.
- Visit the Foreign Ministry with your documents at the assigned time.
Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry Attestation Appointment System
Is an Appointment Required?
Yes. The ministry functions through online appointment system to regulate and manage the document attestation services in a befitting manner.
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How to Book an Online Appointment
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs Appointment Portal:
mfa.gov.lk
- Select the service (e.g., “Document Attestation”).
- Choose your preferred date and time.
- Fill in personal details and submit.
- Save or print your appointment confirmation.
Note: No walk-ins are allowed. Prior booking is compulsory.
E-Services Offered by the Foreign Ministry
The Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry is increasingly moving services online for public convenience. Key e-services include:
1. Online Appointment Booking
As discussed above, appointments for attestation, consular inquiries, and special document services must be booked online.
2. Online Consular Services
Some services are partially or fully digitized, including:
- Document status tracking
- Requesting consular help for overseas Sri Lankans
- Emergency contact information for embassies
- Submission of certain forms and inquiries
Services Provided by the Consular Affairs Division
- Document Attestation & Legalization
- Assistance to Sri Lankans in distress abroad
- Death registration & repatriation
- Birth certificate issuance for children born abroad
- Visa recommendations for foreigners
- Marriage registration for Sri Lankans overseas
Online Consular Services for Sri Lankans Abroad
If you’re a Sri Lankan citizen living or working overseas, the Ministry and its missions abroad offer digital services including:
- Certificate verification
- Passport-related services
- Notarial services
- Death/birth registration
- Consular protection in emergencies
To access services, locate your nearest embassy or consulate at:
https://mfa.gov.lk/missions/
Quick Overview of Sri Lanka Visa Portal (ETA / e‑Visa)
Sri Lanka has its own official electronic visa allowing wizards to make it quick and convenient to visit the country the so-called Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) that is overseen by the Department of Immigration & Emigration. Introduced on January 1, 2012, it allows to apply online to eligible travelers so that no embassy visit is necessary to obtain a short-stay visa.
Note of importance: The ETA gateway has at times become inaccessible because of legal or technical problems. Visa on arrival (VOA) is available to certain travelers when the system is down. Use the proper government web site: eta.gov.lk, or immigration.gov.lk, always.
Types of Visas via ETA
1. Tourist e‑Visa
- Purpose: Sightseeing, visiting relatives, medical/yoga retreats, cultural or sporting events.
- Validity: Up to 6 months from approval date.
- Stay: Up to 30 days per entry.
- Entry: Double entry (re‑entry within 30 days).
- Extension: Possible via immigration up to total 6 months.
2. Business e‑Visa
- Purpose: Business meetings, conferences, short-term training (<1 month), workshops, cultural or religious events.
- Validity: Up to 6 months from approval date.
- Stay: Up to 30 days per visit.
- Entry: Multiple entries permitted.
- Extension: Eligible via extension services.
3. Transit e‑Visa
- Purpose: Short layovers during transit to another destination.
- Validity: Up to 6 months from approval.
- Stay: Up to 48 hours, typically airside.
- Entry: Single entry.
- Fee: Usually exempt or minimal.
- Restriction: Often limited to ship or air transit only.
Additional Types (via Embassy/Missions — not ETA)
- Residence / Long-Term Visa (Work, Student, Investor, Religious, Family, Ex‑Sri Lankans)
- Diplomatic / Official Visa (gratis ETA when applicable)
- Journalist Visa (requires pre‑clearance via MOFA/international media authorities)
Fees, Eligibility & Special Agreements
- Standard Tourist & Business ETA fees: ~USD 50–75 depending on nationality; transit often free. Fees may include bank or convenience charges.
- Free Visa Pilot Program: From October 1, 2024, citizens of 35 countries (e.g. China, India, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand) receive free 30‑day tourist ETA, with double-entry allowance.
- Visas on Arrival (VOA): Used when ETA system is unavailable. Temporarily replaced ETA during outages in mid‑2024.
- Eligibility Requirements:
- Passport valid ≥6 months at entry.
- Proof of return/onward travel.
- Adequate funds for stay and return.
- Yellow fever certificate for travelers from listed countries.
What You’ll Find on the Portal
- Visa selection menu with clear categories: Tourist, Business, Transit.
- Online application form requesting personal info, trip details, passport uploads.
- Secure payment gateway. Beware of third-party sites; use only official domain eta.gov.lk.
- Status tracking and downloadable ETA approval note (PDF/email).
- Help/support pages for visa FAQs, refund policies, and scam warnings.
Comparison Table
| Visa Type | Validity | Stay Duration | Entries | Purpose | Fee / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist e‑Visa | Up to 6 months | Up to 30 days | Double | Leisure, visiting, medical, yoga | $50–75 (free for 35 countries pilot) |
| Business e‑Visa | Up to 6 months | Up to 30 days/visit | Multiple | Business meetings, training, events | ~$55; extendable |
| Transit e‑Visa | Up to 6 months | Max 48 hours | Single | Transit stopover | Usually free |
| Residence Visa* | Varies | Long-term | Varies | Work, study, family, investment | Must apply via embassy & Immigration Dept. |
| Diplomatic/Official** | Varies | Short/mission-based | Varies | Govt missions, diplomatic work | Often gratis ETAs issued through formal channels |
| Journalist Visa* | Varies | Assignment period | Varies | Media coverage, reporting | Requires media credentials and pre-clearance |
For more information about the visa portal, check the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
FAQs – Foreign Ministry of Sri Lanka
Q1: Is it compulsory to have attestation to work overseas?
Yes. To be able to undergo legal handling, most foreign employers and embassies demand documents that have been duly attested.
Q2: What is the duration taken in attestation?
Extends usually 1-2 working days in case everything with the documents is alright, and the appointment has been made.
Q3: Is it possible that I delegate somebody to submit the documents in my name?
Yes, but having a legitimate permission letter and a copy of the ID of the proper person.
Q4: Do translations have to be made in order to be attested?
When your document is not written in English or Sinhala/Tamil, there is usually the need of a certified translation.
Q5: Are there chances of canceling or rescheduling the appointment online?
Yes, To reschedule or cancel the appointment (preferably 24 hours before the appointment time), use the appointment portal.
Additional Tips for Applicants
Original documents, as well as photocopies with visible text should always be brought.
Be dressed well when attending the Ministry premises.
When you are staying abroad lots of services can also be availed of in the Sri Lankan missions in your country.
Conclusion
Besides the role in facilitation of international relation, the Sri Lanka Foreign ministry also plays the key role in the delivery of important services such as document attestation, consular assistance and e-governance. Incorporating services that include online booking, e-consular, the Ministry is facilitating access to essential services to citizens like never before with the use of digital means.
Whether you are planning a foreign job assignment, a field study abroad, or you require immediate consular services, a knowledge of the structure of the Foreign Ministry and its services may be time-saving and energy-saving.
