Sri Lanka Police has announced a temporary procedure for submitting applications for Police Clearance Certificates following a disruption to the computerized system used by the Police Clearance Division.

The Police Clearance Division, located on the 17th floor of the Suhurupaya Building in Battaramulla, issues Police Clearance Certificates to applicants. 

The application process, including the submission of applications, obtaining background reports and issuing clearance certificates, is carried out through a computerized data system. However, the system has been inactive since noon on 20 August 2026, it said.

Until the system is restored, applicants may submit their applications under a temporary procedure, the statement said

Applicants can visit the official Sri Lanka Police website, www.police.lk, and click on “Download Application” to obtain the relevant application form. After completing the form, applicants should email it, together with photocopies of their National Identity Card and passport, to the following email address: 

Email: clear.application@police.gov.lk

Upon receiving applications through this temporary procedure, the Police Clearance Division will take steps to obtain the necessary background reports from the relevant police stations. The corresponding clearance certificates will be issued once the computerized system is restored, the statement said.

According to police, no payment is required at the time of submitting applications under this temporary procedure. 

However, all applicants who submit applications through this temporary procedure must make the required payment and resubmit their applications through the online system once the system has been restored.

The reference numbers of applicants whose clearance certificates can be issued from applications already submitted will be published on the official Sri Lanka Police website. Applicants whose reference numbers are published may visit the Police Clearance Division on the 17th floor of the Suhurupaya Building, Battaramulla, to obtain their clearance certificates. 

Clearance certificates may also be collected on Saturdays and Sundays.

Applicants whose reference numbers have not been published on the police website will be issued their clearance certificates after the computerized system is restored, it added.

Sri Lanka Police stated that steps are being taken to restore the system as soon as possible and that the public will be informed once the system becomes operational again.

The Police Media Division has requested all media organizations to disseminate this announcement among the public.