How to apply for a Fishing License in Sri Lanka. A fishing license (US), fishing licence (UK), or fishing permit is a regulatory or legal mechanism to control fishing. Licensing is one mechanism of fisheries management and may be required for either commercial or recreational fishing.
- Applicant must be a Sri Lankan
- Applicant must be able to present a registration certificate of the vessel that will be used for operations. The operation should be in accordance with the 1996 operations orders.
- No cost involved in obtaining this service
- It will take about 2 weeks for your application to be completed.
Note: License will be issued to Sri Lankans in accordance with the special gazette declaration of 1996 November 07th bearing no 948/25. This procedure provides information on how you can obtain a license for fishing operation in Sri Lankan territory waters. Government Information Centre
Sri Lanka – Obtain Fishing License
- To obtain a fishing license, applicants will need to go to the Office of the Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources.
- Obtain an application form the Area Fisheries Inspector.
- Submit the completed form to the inspector and present the registration certificate of the fishing craft.
- Relevant documents will be sent to the district assistant director
- The area Fisheries Inspector will review your application form and supporting documents and send them along with their recommendations to the district assistant director
- District assistant director will approve or decline the application
- Relevant documents will be sent to the director general
- The whole process will take around two weeks to be completed.
Required Documents
- Registration certificate of the fishing craft
Office Locations & Contacts[edit]
Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources
3rd Floor,
New Secretariat,
Maligawatta,
Colombo 10.
Mr. A. Ariyasena Fernando
Telephones:0094-11-2446183 / 0094-11-2472187 / 0094-11-2449170
Fax Nos:0094-11-2449170
Email:depfish@fisheries.gov.lk
Obtain Application Form:
Working Days Monday to Friday
Counter Open Hours 9:00 am to 4:45 pm
Except on government holidays
Submit Application Form:
Working Days Monday to Friday
Counter Open Hours 9:00 am to 4:45 pm
Except on government holidays
