Foreigners will not be able to get married in Sri Lanka without this certificate, a circular has been issued

The Sri Lankan government has now made it mandatory for any foreigner to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Defense for marriage for security reasons. The Sri Lankan government's decision has been criticized by opposition and some civic groups.

Any foreigner marrying in Sri Lanka will now need to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Defense.

Sri Lanka has made it mandatory from 1 January 2022 for security reasons. The Sri Lankan government's decision has been criticized by both the opposition and some civil society groups.

Sri Lankan MP Harsha de Silva called the decision a form of discrimination. According to officials, the decision is important to prevent locals from being deceived by foreigners in the name of marriage as well as to keep an eye on the increase in drug smuggling in the country under the pretext of marriage.