Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka · 2023 Revised Edition · Chapter V · Citizenship
26. Citizenship of Sri Lanka
Unofficial copy, with amendments up to 31 Oct 2022. Later amendments are not included. Check the official text before you rely on it.
Unofficial copyFrom Parliament of Sri Lanka, unchanged
There shall be one status of citizenship known as “the status of a citizen of Sri Lanka”.
A citizen of Sri Lanka shall for all purposes be described only as a “citizen of Sri Lanka”, whether such person became entitled to citizenship by descent or by virtue of registration in accordance with the law relating to citizenship.
No distinction shall be drawn between citizens of Sri Lanka for any purpose by reference to the mode of acquisition of such status, as to whether acquired by descent or by virtue of registration.
No citizen of Sri Lanka shall be deprived of his status of a citizen of Sri Lanka, except under and by virtue of the provisions of sections 19, 20, 21 and 22 of the Citizenship Act:
Provided that the provisions of sections 23 and 24 of that Act shall also be applicable to a person who became entitled to the status of a citizen of Sri Lanka by virtue of registration under the provisions of section 11,
12 or 13 of that Act.
Every person who immediately prior to the commencement of the Constitution was a citizen of Sri
Lanka, whether by descent or by virtue of registration in accordance with any law relating to citizenship, shall be entitled to the status and to the rights of a citizen of Sri
Lanka as provided in the preceding provisions of this
Article.
The provisions of all existing written laws relating to citizenship and all other existing written laws wherein reference is made to citizenship shall be read subject to the preceding provisions of this Article.
Chapter VI
Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Duties
Chapter VII
The Executive
Chapter VIIA
The Constitutional Council
Chapter VIII
The Executive
Chapter IX
The Executive
Chapter X
The Legislature
Chapter XI
The Legislature
Chapter XII
The Legislature
Chapter XIII
The Referendum
Chapter XIV
The Franchise and Elections
Chapter XIVA
Election Commission
Chapter XV
The Judiciary
Chapter XVA
Judicial Service Commission
Chapter XVI
The Superior Courts
Chapter XVII
Finance
Chapter XVIIA
146[CHAPTER XVII a
Chapter XVIII
Public Security
Chapter XVIIIA
National Police Commission
Chapter XIX
The Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration
Chapter XIXA
Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption
Chapter XIXB
National Procurement Commission
Chapter XX
General
Chapter XXI
Transitional Provisions
Chapter XXII
Interpretation
Chapter XXIII
Repeal
Chapter XXIV