Sworn Affidavits in Sri Lanka: Uses & Justice of Peace (2025)
December 25, 2025
Sworn Affidavits in Sri Lanka: Uses & Justice of Peace (2025)
The "Fix-It" document of Sri Lankan law.
An Affidavit (Diurum Prakaashaya) is a written statement confirmed by oath. It's used to fix errors, declare lost documents, or prove identity.
Table of Contents
1. When Do You Need One?
- Name Discrepancy: Deed says "Perera" but ID says "Pereira". Affidavit confirms "Both are one and the same person."
- Lost Documents: Lost ID, Passport, or Deed original.
- civil Status: Declaring you are unmarried (for some foreign visas).
- Address Proof: If you live somewhere but have no bills in your name.
2. How to Write an Affidavit
Format:
- Title: "AFFIDAVIT"
- Affiant: "I, [Name], of [Address], being a Buddhist/Christian/etc..."
- Oath: "...do hereby solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm..."
- Facts: List the facts clearly (1, 2, 3).
- Signature: Your signature.
- Attestation: "Sworn/Affirmed at [Location] on [Date] before me..." signed by JP.
Language: Sinhala, Tamil, or English.
3. The Justice of Peace (JP)
You need a Justice of the Peace (JP) or an Attorney-at-Law to sign it.
- JPs are community figures appointed by the Ministry of Justice.
- Stamp: They must place their official rubber stamp.
4. Cost & Validity
- Stamp Duty: You must stick a Rs. 50 stamp (or current rate) on the affidavit.
- JP Fee: Legally, JPs benefit the public for free. However, a customary "donation" or fee of Rs. 200 - 500 is common. Lawyer JPs charge standard professional fees (Rs. 1,000+).
- Validity: Indefinite, unless the facts change.
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