{
  "id": 2477071,
  "title": "Police clearance system down: Temporary process announced",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/police-clearance-system-down-temporary-process-announced",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-22T00:00:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Island Sri Lanka",
    "slug": "the-island-sri-lanka",
    "url": "http://island.lk/police-clearance-system-down-temporary-process-announced/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Following a computerised system failure, the Police Clearance Division has announced a temporary process for obtaining Police Clearance Certificates. The division, situated on the 17th floor of the Suhurupaya Building in Battaramulla, experienced system inactivity since noon on Thursday (20). This disruption has impacted the submission, processing, and issuance of applications, background checks, and certificates. While the system remains down, applicants can download the required application form from the official Sri Lanka Police website by selecting \"Download Application.\" Completed applications, along with photocopies of the applicant's National Identity Card and passport, should then be emailed to clear.application@police.gov.lk. The Clearance Division will obtain background reports from relevant police stations upon receiving these applications. Once the computerised system is restored, certificates will be issued. Submission under the temporary procedure does not require payment, but applicants must make the necessary payment and resubmit their applications once the online system becomes operational. Police have stated that reference numbers for applicants whose certificates can be issued, based on already submitted applications, will be published on the official police website. Those with published reference numbers can collect their certificates from the Police Clearance Division in Battaramulla on Saturdays and Sundays. Applicants without published reference numbers will receive their certificates once the system is restored. Police officials have assured the public that steps are being taken to restore the system as soon as possible, and the public will be informed upon its reactivation. The Police Media Division has urged media organizations to disseminate this announcement to the public.",
  "summary": "Police have introduced a temporary procedure for obtaining Police Clearance Certificates following a disruption to the computerised system used by the Police Clearance Division. The Police Clearance Division, located on the 17th floor of the Suhurupaya Building, in Battaramulla, said its computerised system had been inactive since noon, on Thursday (20), affecting the submission and […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}