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How to Get a Grama Niladhari Certificate (Residence and Character) in Sri Lanka

Verified · 1 Nov 2026In person only

A Grama Niladhari certificate confirms where you live, and is also used as a character certificate. Ask the Grama Niladhari of the division where you live; it is issued on form DS 4. For use abroad, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs only attests a certificate that has both the Grama Niladhari's name stamp and the stamp of the Divisional Secretariat. It can only prove your residence and dependents. Offices such as the Department of Motor Traffic and the IRD accept it as proof of address.

At a glance

Where
The Grama Niladhari of the division where you live
+ 1 more place
Online?
In person only

Do you need this?

When you need it

  • An office asks for proof of where you live, for example to change the address on your driving licence or register for a TIN.
  • You need a residence or character certificate for a job, a school, a visa or a police report.
  • You need a certificate attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for use abroad.

Who can apply

  • The certificate is issued by the Grama Niladhari of the division where you live.
  • The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Grama Niladhari certificates can only substantiate your residence and dependents.

Documents you need

Documents to bring

0 of 3 ready

  • Certificates of residence used by government offices ask for these.

Only if…

Process at a glance

  1. Step 1
    Find your Grama Niladhari

    Find the Grama Niladhari division for your home. Your Divisional Secretariat can tell you who your Grama Niladhari is and when they are available.

  2. Step 2
    Ask for the certificate

    Meet the Grama Niladhari with your NIC and say what the certificate is for. They issue it on form DS 4, with their name stamp.

  3. Step 3
    Get the Divisional Secretariat stamp if needed

    Some offices, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for attestation, only accept a certificate that also has the stamp of the Divisional Secretariat. Check with the office that asked for it.

  4. Step 4
    Hand it in

    Give the certificate to the office that asked for it. For use abroad, have it attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

  5. You're done

Step by step

  1. Step 01

    Find your Grama Niladhari

    Find the Grama Niladhari division for your home. Your Divisional Secretariat can tell you who your Grama Niladhari is and when they are available.

  2. Step 02

    Ask for the certificate

    Meet the Grama Niladhari with your NIC and say what the certificate is for. They issue it on form DS 4, with their name stamp.

  3. Step 03

    Get the Divisional Secretariat stamp if needed

    Some offices, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for attestation, only accept a certificate that also has the stamp of the Divisional Secretariat. Check with the office that asked for it.

  4. Step 04

    Hand it in

    Give the certificate to the office that asked for it. For use abroad, have it attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Where to go

  • The Grama Niladhari of the division where you live

    Find your Divisional Secretariat with the DS Finder.

  • Your Divisional Secretariat, for the Divisional Secretariat stamp if needed

Common problems

The Foreign Ministry won't attest my certificate.
It needs both the Grama Niladhari's name stamp and the Divisional Secretariat's stamp, on form DS 4. It can only be attested for residence and dependents.
I've just moved.
Ask the Grama Niladhari of your new area. They may ask how long you have lived there and check the electoral register.
The office wants a "character certificate".
Grama Niladhari certificates cover residence and character. For a police report, a police clearance certificate is a separate document from the Police.
I need proof of address for the IRD.
The IRD accepts a Grama Niladhari certificate, or a utility bill, bank statement or passbook.

FAQ

What is a Grama Niladhari certificate?
A certificate from the Grama Niladhari of your area confirming where you live, also used as a character certificate. It is issued on form DS 4.
Does a Grama Niladhari certificate need the Divisional Secretary's stamp?
For attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, yes. Other offices may not ask for it; check with the office that wants the certificate.
Who accepts a Grama Niladhari certificate as proof of address?
For example the Department of Motor Traffic (to change a driving licence address) and the IRD (for TIN registration).
Can a Grama Niladhari certificate prove my qualifications or income?
No. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it can only substantiate residence and dependents.

Official sources

Checked against these official pages1 Nov 2026

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