Police Clearance Centers in Sri Lanka – Complete List
If you’re planning to travel, seek employment abroad, or apply for certain visas, you may need a police clearance certificate. In Sri Lanka, obtaining this document is a straightforward process, yet it’s essential to understand where to go, what documents are required, and how the fees and processing times work.
Why Do You Need a Police Clearance Certificate?
A police clearance certificate is an official document issued by the Sri Lanka Police that confirms whether you have any criminal record. It’s commonly required by employers, immigration authorities, and educational institutions around the world. Having one on hand is often a prerequisite when:
Key Locations of Police Clearance Centers in Sri Lanka
To make the application process more accessible, police clearance centers are spread across various regions. While the main hub is in Colombo, there are also facilities in Kandy, Vavuniya, Kurunegala, and Matara.
Table 1: Police Clearance Center Locations and Contact Details
| Location | Services Offered | Contact Details | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo | Issuance of Police Clearance Certificates | Phone: +94 11 242 1111 Email: [email protected] | Weekdays: 9 AM – 5 PM Weekends: Closed |
| Kandy | Police Clearance Certificates, General Verification | Phone: +94 81 5624470, +94 81 5624509 Email: Not available | Weekdays: 9 AM – 5 PM Weekends: Closed |
| Vavuniya | Issuance of Police Clearance Certificates | Phone: +94 24 2050048 | Weekdays (Check exact hours) |
| Kurunegala | Issuance of Police Clearance Certificates | Phone: +94 37 5550562, +94 37 5550563 | Weekdays (Check exact hours) |
| Matara | Issuance of Police Clearance Certificates | Phone: +94 41-5412212 | Weekdays (Check exact hours) |
Note: It’s advisable to call ahead and confirm operating hours for Vavuniya, Kurunegala, and Matara, as exact times may vary.
Main Clearance Application Center
The main clearance application center in Colombo is located at 331 Olcott Mawatha, Colombo 11. This center accepts applications on weekdays from 9 AM to 4 PM. Most applicants find this center to be the most comprehensive and efficient for processing their clearance certificates.
Table 4: Colombo Main Center Information
| Address | Application Days | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
| 331 Olcott Mawatha, Colombo 11 | Weekdays: 9 AM – 4 PM | Phone: +94 11 242 1111 Email: [email protected] |
Plan your visit early in the day to avoid long queues and ensure you have enough time to complete all steps.
How to Apply for Your Police Clearance Certificate
You have two primary methods to obtain your clearance certificate:
For Detailed Information: Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) – Sri Lanka (Online and From Overseas)
Table 2: Application Methods and Fees
| Application Method | Fee (LKR) | Submission Process |
|---|---|---|
| In-Person | 500 | Visit center, submit documents, and pay fee |
| Online | 1,500 | Apply through e-services portal, upload documents, and pay online |
Required Documents for Police Clearance Applications
To ensure a smooth application process, prepare the following documents:
Table 3: Document Checklist
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| National Identity Card (NIC) | Yes | Original + Two Photocopies |
| Valid Passport | Yes | Original + One Photocopy |
| Marriage Certificate (if applicable) | If needed | For women using husband’s name |
| Affidavit for Name Change (if applicable) | If needed | Clearly showing maiden and married names |
Having all required documents ready, accurately completed, and in order will significantly speed up the process.
Processing Time and Validity Period
Processing Time:
Typically, it takes about 14 working days to process a police clearance certificate once you’ve submitted a complete and accurate application. This timeframe may vary slightly depending on application volume and any additional verifications required. You can also check your Police Clearance status to know that if your application was approved or not.
Validity of the Certificate:
The police clearance certificate is usually valid for 6 months from the date of issue. It’s wise to time your application so the certificate remains current for your visa applications or job interviews abroad.
Contacting Police Clearance Centers for Inquiries
If you’ve already submitted your application and need an update—or have specific questions—you can reach out to the primary contact channels:
Having your reference number or application receipt on hand will help facilitate quicker responses.
Fees and Payment Details
The fee structure differs for online and in-person applications. While online applications cost more, they may save you time and travel expenses. Meanwhile, the in-person fee is cheaper but requires visiting a police clearance center in person.
If possible, verify the current fee structure on the official Sri Lanka Police website or the e-services portal before making payment, as fees may be subject to periodic changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does the application process take?
A: On average, the process takes around 14 working days once the application and documents are submitted correctly.
Q: Can I apply online?
A: Yes, the Sri Lanka Police e-services portal allows for online applications at a cost of LKR 1,500.
Q: What if I have lived at multiple addresses?
A: Be transparent and provide all relevant details. Additional verification might be required, which could affect processing time.
Q: Are there expedited services available?
A: Generally, there is a standard processing time. You can inquire at the main center, but expedited options may not always be available.
Q: Can I use the certificate multiple times within the validity period?
A: Yes, the certificate is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. You can use it multiple times within that period, provided it meets the requirements of the entity requesting it.
Final Thoughts
The police clearance process in Sri Lanka is designed to be accessible and efficient. Whether you’re working with the Colombo main center or a regional office in Kandy, Vavuniya, Kurunegala, or Matara, the key is to stay informed. Keep all your documents updated, follow the guidelines, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need clarification.