British Council Sri Lanka transfers vocational qualification attestation to TVEC
- Change takes effect in compliance with Sri Lankan law, ensuring smooth transitions
- From 1 August 2026, students and graduates requiring attestation of vocational or technical qualifications should contact TVEC directly
- British Council Sri Lanka will continue to provide attestation for UK university degrees and graduate diplomas awarded directly by UK awarding bodies
British Council Sri Lanka and the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC) announced that the attestation of vocational and technical qualifications will transfer from British Council Sri Lanka to TVEC with effect from 1 August 2026.
From 1 August 2026, the attestation of vocational or technical qualifications — including those linked to UK awarding bodies — will be done by TVEC. British Council Sri Lanka will continue to process all applications submitted on or before 31 July 2026. British Council Sri Lanka will continue to provide attestation for UK University degrees, graduate diplomas awarded directly by UK awarding bodies, Cambridge International, Pearson Edexcel and OxfordAQA O Level and A Level certificates as well as IELTS and Aptis certificates and ACCA qualifications.
British Council Sri Lanka and TVEC have also worked with the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) to ensure UK awarding bodies understand Sri Lanka’s regulatory requirements.
UK qualifications remain recognised and valued in Sri Lanka – the transition ensures that attestation is carried out in full compliance with the Tertiary and Vocational Education (TVE) Act No. 20 of 1990, which establishes TVEC as the national statutory authority responsible for the regulation, coordination, and quality assurance of tertiary and vocational education in Sri Lanka. Under the Act, all institutions delivering vocational training including post-secondary vocational and technical education must be registered with TVEC, and the courses they deliver must be individually accredited.
“The British Council Sri Lanka is committed to operating fully within Sri Lankan law and to supporting the integrity of the country’s education system. Our close collaboration with TVEC over the past year has ensured that this transition is smooth, transparent, and protects the interests of students and graduates. We are confident that UK qualifications will continue to be recognised and valued, and that this change strengthens the reliability of attestation services in Sri Lanka,” said Orlando Edwards, Country Director, British Council Sri Lanka.
“TVEC is the sole government body in Sri Lanka authorised to recognise vocational and technical qualifications in all fields of learning from certificate level up to Higher Diploma level. This is a practical change that provides greater clarity for students and providers while ensuring that vocational qualification attestation is carried out by the statutory authority responsible under Sri Lankan law. TVEC is well-placed to respond to all requests for attestation in an efficient manner and will take care of the best interests of Sri Lankan students in attesting qualifications,” said Dr K.A. Lalithadheera, Director General, Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC).
British Council Sri Lanka has operated a qualification attestation service for many years, providing certified confirmation of qualifications to support students, graduates, and professionals seeking opportunities overseas. Following discussions with TVEC, British Council Sri Lanka recognises that TVEC is the statutory authority mandated under Sri Lankan law to undertake attestation of vocational qualifications. British Council Sri Lanka has been working closely with TVEC since October 2025 to ensure a smooth and well-managed transition.
Contact TVEC from 1 August 2026 for Vocational Qualification Attestation:
Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC)
354/2, 03rd Floor, Nipunatha Piyasa, Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 05
www.tvec.gov.lk | Tel: 011-760 8000
For other attestation enquiries: www.britishcouncil.lk
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Notes to Editors
About British Council Sri Lanka: British Council Sri Lanka is the United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. British Council Sri Lanka has been present in Sri Lanka since 1947.
About TVEC: The Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission is the national authority established under the TVE Act No. 20 of 1990, responsible for the regulation, coordination, planning, and quality assurance of tertiary and vocational education in Sri Lanka.
