If you plan to use your General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level (A/L) and Ordinary Level (O/L) certificates abroad for higher education or employment, getting them attested by the Sri Lankan Education Department and (for some countries from) Foreign Ministry is essential. This guide focuses on the online process for attesting your GCE A/L and O/L certificates, making it convenient and efficient. Note that attestation by the Foreign Ministry is not required for the UK and Australia.
Step 1: Preparation
Before you begin the online attestation process, ensure you have the following documents ready:
Scanned copies of your original GCE A/L and O/L certificates
Scanned copies of your National Identity Card (NIC) or passport
Credit/Debit card for online payment
Make sure your scanned documents are clear and legible.
Step 2: Certification by the Department of Examinations
Before you can submit your documents for attestation by the Foreign Ministry, they must first be certified by the Department of Examinations.
Visit the Department of Examinations website: Navigate to the Department of Examinations' official website - https://certificate.doenets.lk/certificate
Request certificates: Complete the form with the necessary details.
Submit the form and documents: Upload your original certificates and the completed form through the online portal.
Pay the certification fee: Use the provided online payment options to pay the required fee.
Once your certificates are certified by the Department of Examinations, you will receive an email notification with the certified documents attached, along with instructions on when to collect the physical documents from the Foreign Ministry.
Step 3: Collecting the Attested Certificates
Receive an Email Notification: You will receive an email once the document is ready to be collected.
Go to the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry: Visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to collect your attested certificates. Here is the location.
Bring Necessary Documents: Make sure to take your NIC and the correct reference number with you.
Arrive Early: Go early in the morning as there may be long queues.
Important Note
Validity of Attested Documents: Foreign Ministry attested documents will be valid only for 1 year from the printed date.
Tips for a Smooth Online Process
Clear Scans: Ensure all scanned documents are clear and legible.
Accurate Information: Double-check all details entered in the online application to avoid delays.
Track Regularly: Keep an eye on the status of your application through the portal to stay updated.
Follow Instructions: Adhere to all guidelines provided by the Foreign Ministry to ensure a hassle-free process.
By following these steps, you can efficiently get your GCE A/L and O/L certificates attested online, ensuring their validity for use abroad. Attestation not only confirms the authenticity of your documents but also enhances their credibility internationally.
For more detailed guidance and updates, feel free to contact the Department of Examinations and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Good luck with your attestation process!