December 09, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s Registrar General’s Department has confirmed that new legal arrangements are now in force to allow the formal registration of deaths of those who perished or disappeared during the landslides and flooding triggered by Cyclone Ditwah.
In a public notice, the department explained that families and close associates of individuals still unaccounted for may now apply to have their loved ones officially recognised as deceased, ensuring they are not left in administrative limbo while dealing with the aftermath of the disaster.
These temporary regulations, issued through an Extraordinary Gazette on December 02, outline a streamlined procedure for communities in districts affected by the cyclone. To begin the process, an applicant must submit the designated form together with an affidavit verifying the circumstances, and hand both documents to the Grama Niladhari of the missing person’s last known place of residence.
The Grama Niladhari is then required to pass the file to the Divisional Secretary, who will display the application publicly at both the Divisional Secretariat and the local Grama Niladhari office for a two-week period. If no objections are raised, the case is forwarded to the Deputy or Assistant Registrar General for final approval. However, should concerns or objections arise, an inquiry will be launched before any decision is reached.
The department added that requests for certificates of absence—used when a formal death registration is not immediately possible—will follow the same procedure, with Divisional Secretaries instructed to conduct thorough checks before issuing documentation.
Meanwhile, the Department of National Archives reported significant damage to official records following the widespread flooding. Director General Dr Nadeera Rupasinghe noted that the Kandy District had suffered particularly heavy losses, with many historical and administrative documents now requiring urgent restoration or preservation work.
