Civil and Commercial Matters

Servicing Abroad of Documents

The Mutual Assistance in Civil and Commercial Matters Act No. 39 of 2000 provides for mutual assistance in civil and commercial matters between Sri Lanka and other countries. It also gives effect to the Hague Convention on:

• the service abroad of judicial and extra-judicial documents in civil and commercial matters
• the taking of evidence abroad in civil and commercial matters

The Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act No. 25 of 2002 provides for assistance in criminal matters between Sri Lanka and specified countries.

Under these Acts, the Secretary to the Ministry in charge of Justice is the Central Authority. The Ministry of Justice supports the implementation of these legal processes.

To regularize the procedure, the Judicial Service Commission has issued Circular No. 358 dated 12.02.2013. This circular includes details of services available for each country, the process to obtain those services, and payment requirements.

Important Notes

• Some countries have introduced changes or additional requirements from time to time.
• Documents sent to Russia and Vietnam must be translated into the relevant country language.
• For Capital Territory / Canberra, a sum equivalent to US$ 390 must be paid in cash at the Ministry of Justice by visiting in person.
• All payments must be made by visiting the Ministry in person.
• If two accused persons live at the same address, payment must be made separately for each person.
• If a document is translated, it must be certified as a true copy by a sworn translator, and the translator’s seal must be affixed.

Countries Where Hague Form is Mandatory

• Canada
• Australia
• Germany
• Japan
• United Kingdom
• Korea
• Philippines

Documents to Be Referred

• Hague specimen form
• Hague form specimen required for filling the Hague form
• Addresses of Central Authorities relevant to each country to fill the Hague form
• Gazette notifications relating to the Mutual Assistance in Civil and Commercial Matters Act No. 39 of 2000
• Gazette notification relating to the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act No. 25 of 2002 – web: documents.gov.lk

The above details can be downloaded from the website.

Charges for Service of Summons

Charges for Different States of Australia

If you need further details, please contact the Legal Division over +94 112 334 206 and/or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Related Documents

Document / Title	Download
Central Authorities to fill Hague Form
Sri Lanka Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act, No. 25 of 2002
Mutual Assistance in Civil and Commercial Matters Act No. 39 of 2000
Circular No 358
Hague Form
Sample Hague Form