Criminal Record Checks in Sri Lanka
Criminal record checks are essential for creating a safe and secure workplace. Our screening examines police and court records to identify past convictions or ongoing legal proceedings that are relevant to the role.
What Are Criminal Record Checks?
Criminal record checks involve searching law enforcement and court records to determine whether a candidate has any history of criminal activity, pending legal proceedings, or past convictions. In Sri Lanka, this typically includes records maintained by the Sri Lanka Police and the relevant Magistrate's, District and High Court systems.
These checks are particularly important for roles that involve access to sensitive information, financial assets, vulnerable populations, or positions of authority.
What We Screen For
Police Clearance Certificates vs. Criminal Record Checks
Employers in Sri Lanka often ask for a “police report”, but there are three different documents in practice, and they answer different questions:
Police Clearance Certificate
Issued by Sri Lanka Police to the individual after a police background report. The candidate applies personally, online through the police e-services or at Police Headquarters in Colombo, and it is widely used for overseas employment and visas.
Grama Niladhari character certificate
Issued by the Grama Niladhari of the candidate's local division. It confirms residence and local standing, but it is not a search of police or court records.
Employer criminal record check
Commissioned by the employer with the candidate's consent and run by a verification provider as part of the hiring process, with findings delivered in a confidential report alongside the other checks.
For the full application process, documents and timelines, read our police clearance certificate guide for employers.
Why Criminal Checks Are Essential
Hiring an individual with an undisclosed criminal history can expose your organization to workplace violence, theft, fraud, regulatory penalties, and legal liability. Industries such as banking, healthcare, education, and government often have statutory requirements for criminal screening. At Ontriq, we conduct all checks with proper candidate consent and in line with the Personal Data Protection Act, No. 9 of 2022.
Using the Results Fairly
A record is information, not an automatic decision. Weigh the nature and seriousness of the offence, how long ago it occurred, and whether it is relevant to the responsibilities of the role. Give the candidate an opportunity to explain before you decide, and keep the findings confidential, shared only with the people involved in the hiring decision. Our guide to background check red flags covers how to handle adverse findings.
Our Screening Process
Consent & Data Collection
We collect identification details and signed consent authorizing the criminal background check.
Record Searches
Our team searches police and court records relevant to the candidate's identity and places of residence.
Court Record Verification
For flagged cases, we verify details directly with the relevant courts.
International Screening
Where required, we screen against global sanction lists and international watchlists.
Confidential Reporting
Results pass dual-analyst quality control and are delivered through encrypted channels.
Criminal Record Check FAQs
Is a criminal record check the same as a police clearance certificate?
No. A Police Clearance Certificate is an official document that Sri Lanka Police issue to the individual, who applies for it personally. A criminal record check is an employer-commissioned screening of police and court records, run with the candidate's consent. Some employers ask for both; many rely on the professional check because it is faster and fits into the wider verification case.
Can an employer apply for a police clearance certificate for a candidate?
No. The application is made by the individual, online through the Sri Lanka Police e-services or at Police Headquarters, so an employer can only ask the candidate to obtain one. Our guide to police clearance certificates explains the process step by step.
How long does a criminal record check take?
Typically 5 to 7 working days. It runs in parallel with the other checks in a case, so the complete background verification report is still delivered within 7 working days.
Should I reject a candidate who has a criminal record?
Not automatically. Consider how serious the offence was, how long ago it happened, and whether it is relevant to the role. A conviction for fraud matters for a finance role in a way that an old, unrelated minor offence may not. Give the candidate a chance to explain before making a final decision.
Criminal record checks are one part of our background verification services in Sri Lanka, delivered with employment, education and identity checks in a single report within 7 working days.
Talk to Our TeamRelated Guides
Other Verification Services
Employment Verification
Confirm past job titles, dates and reasons for leaving
Education Verification
Validate degrees, diplomas and exam certificates
Identity & Address Verification
Authenticate NICs, passports and addresses
Reference Checks
Structured feedback from former supervisors
Sanction & Watchlist Screening
International sanctions, watchlists and PEP lists
Drug Testing
Certified laboratory testing with chain of custody
Credit History Check
CRIB credit reports for finance-sensitive roles
Professional Licence Verification
Registration with professional and regulatory bodies
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Every organization has unique verification needs. Tell us about your requirements and our team will provide a tailored background verification package designed for your industry and scale.
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