Child Adoption Procedure

Guidance for Foreign Applicants

Foreign nationals intending to adopt a child from Sri Lanka must follow the procedures laid down by the Department of Probation and Child Care Services, Sri Lanka, which is the designated authority for inter-country adoption.

For official information, please visit: - Department of Probation and Child Care Services

1. Submission of Application

    Applications must be submitted through a recognised adoption agency to the Commissioner of Probation and Child Care Services.

    For official information, please visit: Department of Probation and Child Care Services

Contact Details :

             Commissioner

             Department of Probation and Child Care Services,

             3rd Floor,

             Sethsiripaya Stage II,

             Battaramulla,

             Sri Lanka.

• Telephone: +94 11 2186062 / +94 11 2187285     

•   Email: pcc@sltnet.lk
  
  
  
  Documents Required

     Applicants must submit:

• Home Study Report (in duplicate) from a recognised institution
• Passport-size photographs attached to both copies
• Formal request letter indicating intention to adopt (in duplicate)
• Certified copies (with English translations where necessary) of:

           o Birth Certificates

           o Marriage Certificate

           o Medical/Health Certificates

           o Employment records

           o Police clearance reports

Documents issued by authorities in the United Kingdom must first be authenticated by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office before submission to the Sri Lanka High Commission for legalisation.

2. Processing and Child Allocation

• The Commissioner will evaluate the application and Home Study Report
• If approved, an allocation letter will be issued through the adoption agency
• Private arrangements for adoption are not permitted

3. Travel to Sri Lanka

Applicants should travel to Sri Lanka only after receiving the allocation letter

• Expected stay: 4–5 weeks 

4. Procedures in Sri Lanka

Upon arrival, applicants must:

• Attend an interview at the Department of Probation and Child Care Services, Sri Lanka
• Present passports and allocation letter

Following approval:

• Applicants may visit the child at the designated children’s home
• Removal of the child without approval is strictly prohibited
• Court proceedings must be initiated through an Attorney-at-Law  

5. Post-Adoption Formalities

After the adoption order is granted:

• Obtain certified copies of the Adoption Order from the Court
• Obtain the Adoption Certificate from the Registrar General
• Apply for the child’s passport at the Department of Immigration and Emigration Sri Lanka-Department of Immigration and Emigration Sri Lanka

Applicants should consult their respective diplomatic missions regarding visa arrangements for the adopted child. 

6. Post-Adoption Reporting Requirements

Adoptive parents must submit progress reports to the Department of Probation and Child Care Services, Sri Lanka:

• Quarterly reports until adoption is legally confirmed
• Half-yearly reports (with photographs) for 3 years
• Annual reports until the child reaches 10 years  

7. Legal Requirements

• Application must be made jointly by husband and wife
• Each applicant must:
• Personal attendance is required (exceptions only on medical grounds)
• Adoption must comply with the Adoption of Children Ordinance (as amended)  

Important

• Payments or rewards related to adoption are strictly prohibited unless approved by the Court
• Annual limits on inter-country adoptions are determined by the Government of Sri Lanka
• Non-compliance with procedures may result in rejection