How to Correct Details on a Birth Certificate in Sri Lanka

Step 01

Get a certified copy of the birth record

Obtain a recent certified copy from a Divisional Secretariat or online through e-BMD. It must be attached to the declaration - this is strictly required.

Step 02

Get declaration form B37A

Download the declaration form B37A (opens in a new tab) from the Registrar General's Department, or ask for it at the Divisional Secretariat.

Step 03

Gather written evidence

Collect written evidence that proves the request is genuine. RGD lists these as evidence you can use:

• A copy of the parents' marriage certificate, certified by the Divisional Secretariat
• The list of children or list of siblings
• Copies of the father's and mother's birth certificates, certified by the Divisional Secretariat
• A certified copy of the birth record of a child born after the parents' marriage was registered
• If there is no child born after the marriage was registered, a certified copy of the birth record of an older or younger brother or sister
• Certified copies of records from hospitals or maternity homes, or copies of the midwife's records
• The student record book, or an extract from the school admission register
• A copy of the electoral register showing the names of the person and their parents
• A certified copy of the father's death certificate, if he has died

Step 04

Submit the declaration and pay

Hand the declaration, the certified copy and the evidence to the Additional District Registrar at the Divisional Secretariat for the place of birth, and pay the Rs. 60 declaration fee. The declaration can be submitted by the person the birth certificate belongs to, their father or mother, their legal guardian, or a person dissatisfied with any detail in the birth record.

Step 05

Get a new certified copy

Once the birth record is amended, get a new certified copy showing the corrected details, then use it to update your NIC, passport or other records if needed.

Step 06 · optional

Changing or adding a name

Name changes and adding a missing name use different declaration forms instead of B37A. The certified copy, written evidence, office and Rs. 60 fee are the same as above. Use the form that fits.

• To change a name, declared by the person who bears it: form B10 (opens in a new tab)
• To change a name, declared by someone else such as a parent or guardian: form B9 (opens in a new tab)
• To add a name where none was entered, declared by the person: form B8 (opens in a new tab)
• To add a name where none was entered, declared by someone else: form B7 (opens in a new tab)