Sworn review · English guide
Sworn translator exam in Sri Lanka: how to apply and get appointed
The Ministry of Justice written test for sworn translators: who sits it, the language pairs, the fee, how to apply online, and the oath before a District Court Judge that completes the appointment.
Two routes to appointment
The Ministry of Justice appoints sworn translators under two routes. For the official languages (Sinhala, Tamil and English) you must qualify at the Written Test conducted by the Ministry. For foreign languages you may qualify either at the Written Test or at a Selection Board run by the Ministry.
The official-language test is offered in three combinations: Sinhala/English, Sinhala/Tamil and Tamil/English. You can apply for more than one combination; each is a separate paper with its own fee.
How and when to apply
Applications are accepted only online, through the form linked from the Ministry’s sworn translator page. The Ministry asks for an accurate email address and telephone number, because results and instructions are sent that way, and for the receipt of the test fee to be uploaded with the application.
Applications are taken throughout the year. Those received on or before 31 August are scheduled for the Written Test within the same year for the official languages; foreign-language candidates are tested in the September that follows.
- Apply through the Ministry’s online form only.
- Upload the original fee receipt.
- Apply by 31 August to sit the test in the same year.
The fee
The Written Test fee is Rs. 1,000 for each official-language combination. The Ministry’s page says it is deposited to account number 176-1-001-9-9025184 at the People’s Bank, Mid City Branch, in favour of the Secretary, Ministry of Justice. Fees for foreign-language tests are notified separately by email.
Check the Ministry’s page for the current figure and account before paying; this guide reflects the page as published, and the Ministry can change it.
After you pass: the oath and the stamp
Passing the test does not make you a sworn translator by itself. The Ministry appoints candidates only after they take and subscribe the oath, or make the affirmation, before the District Court Judge of the district where they live. The Ministry’s site provides the recommendation letters, and the date is arranged through the Registrar of that District Court.
After the oath, a certified copy of the Letter of Appointment is sent to the Ministry together with the oath or affirmation. The translator then prepares a rubber stamp showing the name, the designation “Sworn Translator”, the registration number, the languages sworn in, the address and telephone numbers. That stamp is what clients and offices look for on a signed translation.
Questions about the test go to the Ministry on 0112 446 185 or by the email address shown on its page.
- Arrange the oath with the Registrar of your District Court.
- Send the certified Letter of Appointment and the oath to the Ministry.
- Have the stamp made in the Ministry’s format.
Working as a sworn translator online
Once appointed, you can work beyond your own district. Translate pays appointed sworn translators to review and sign translations online; each signed certificate carries a serial number and a QR code, so your signature can be verified by the receiving office without a phone call. Our “Become a sworn translator” page explains the application and what review work pays.