RITES AND RIGHTS OF PASSAGE

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.

- By Devika Brendon

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.