By: Devika Brendon
I have just been through the process of renewing my Sri Lankan passport for the next 10 years, and have some experience to share, which I hope will be useful. I have seen Facebook posts shared by helpful people, outlining the step-by-step process, and followed them. They were certainly very useful. But I have some additional insights, based on the experiences I had, and observed. If you want a ‘One Day Passport’ Process: We were warned that the queues are huge, and that it would be best to start the application process early in the morning. VERY early in the morning - by 4:00am. When we arrived at that time, there were already 100 people ahead of us in the line, and it took almost an hour to get into the first building.
Tip: Make sure your original identity documents are safely protected in plastic folders and placed in a watertight plastic bag as well. Also bring a fold up umbrella. This is the rainy season.
Make sure your mobile phone is charged and bring bottled water and snacks with you. It is going to be a LONG day. If you take medications, ensure you take them before you begin the process. Particularly blood pressure medication. There are stairs to climb before you get to the initial processing floor.
Tip: Try to go with a friend, so you can chat while you go through the long initial waiting queues.
Documents: Ensure that you download and print out the Passport Application Form and fill it out beforehand.
Make sure you have a Certified Copy (or 5) of your original Birth Certificate. Only a Certified Copy is acceptable. Make sure you have True Copies of your current NIC, and relevant sections of your current Passports, attested by JPs, or similar authorities. Multiple copies are best (at least 3, and 5 is better). The NIC copy must be in colour.
Tip: Although this is in fact stated on the Government website, it is perhaps not well understood in this period of transition that the old NIC which many of us have must be replaced by the new one, even if the old one is in fine condition. This is mandatory.,
Try your best to get the new NIC beforehand. This involves getting a photo taken on government approved software from an accredited photo studio and attested by both the Grama Niladhari from your area AND the Divisional Secretariat. This process alone takes a lot of time, and travel, especially as the Grama Niladhari does not work every day of the week, but only on specific days. You need a special form to apply for the new NIC.
Tip: Your new Passport photo must also be authorized by government approved software. Try to get multiple copies of this photo as well.
If you are a Dual Citizen, you must take your original physical Certificate of Dual Citizenship and True Copies of it with you.
Step One is filling out the Application Form and presenting your supporting documents to be checked. This is where any issues will arise, and you may have to take side trips to provide relevant documentation.
Tip: All the big things happen on the Second Floor, centering on Room 20.
Step Two is waiting patiently while your new NIC card is approved, and issued, and then separately waiting patiently (up to 4-5 hours) for the old NIC number previously issued to you to be deleted from the system. This whole process takes up to 8 hours. There are too many people for the staff to notify you. There is a 2000 LKR fee for the NIC card issuance. This can vary if you are charged a Penalty Fee for any reason. Keep the receipt as proof of payment.
Tip: Hand over your stapled Application documents (they call this a ‘file’ but it is a sheaf of papers), in the mid-morning. Go and have lunch and return in the afternoon. Do not lose your small paper token which is given to you. Keep it safe. You will need to produce it on demand. The NIC events occur on the Ninth Floor.
Tip: The new NIC is not eternally valid. It must be renewed every 10 years.
Step Three is getting your fingerprints taken. This is back on the Second Floor, in Room 20.
Step Four is paying the fee for the One Day process. This is also on the Second Floor, near Room 20. It is 20,000 LKR, payable in cash. Have that with you. Keep the receipt.
Step Five is waiting patiently on the First Floor for the new Passport to be issued to you.
Bonus points to the Government for hiring very experienced and professional administrative staff, from the dignified ladies in saree, to the energetic and bearded young men, and the wise gentlemen and lady Security Guards, whose presence, patience and dedication make the whole experience a great deal smoother than it otherwise would be.
Thanks also to the brilliant individual (or team) who decided to put a popcorn machine in one of the largest waiting areas, much to the delight and sustenance of all. The large numbers of people we saw as we all progressed at various stages through the entire process were in good spirits.
Many had clearly travelled a long way, from regional and rural areas, and diverse communities, ethnicities, ages and classes were represented. Everyone treated each other with respect and courtesy. There was a heartening spirit of kindness prevalent. Many strangers advised others, who clearly needed guidance, about practical steps and things to watch out for.
Tip: Wear a mask, N395 standard if possible. Many people are coughing, in close proximity to each other, with various ailments, no one covers their mouths, and the lifts between floors are very crowded. Do not get ill, if you can avoid it.
Good luck! Do not listen to people who complain. The staff at the Department of Immigration and Emigration are dealing with immense numbers of people every day and are doing so with great patience and tolerance.
