Can you keep your Sri Lanka citizenship when you become a U.S. citizen?
Allowed with conditions
Only in some cases
Sri Lankan citizens who become U.S. citizens may keep their Sri Lankan citizenship only if they qualify for and obtain dual citizenship under the statutory retention provisions; otherwise voluntary acquisition of foreign citizenship can cause Sri Lankan citizenship to cease by operation of law.
What the law says
- Sri Lankan law permits dual citizenship through provisions allowing eligible persons to retain or resume Sri Lankan citizenship while holding another nationality.
- Voluntary acquisition of foreign citizenship can cause Sri Lankan citizenship to cease by operation of law unless the person benefits from an applicable statutory provision permitting retention.
- The dual citizenship programme is restricted to two nationalities; acquiring a third nationality after being granted dual citizenship results in automatic revocation of dual-citizenship status.
- Individuals already holding citizenship in two or more countries are not eligible to apply for Sri Lankan dual citizenship.
- A citizen of full age and sound mind may renounce citizenship by declaration under section 19(1), effective when registered.
“Voluntary acquisition of foreign citizenship can cause Sri Lankan citizenship to cease by operation of law unless the person benefits from an applicable statutory provision permitting retention.”
What about the U.S. side?
The United States allows dual citizenship. At the oath ceremony you promise to renounce allegiance to other countries, but U.S. law does not make you formally give up your other passport. The question is only whether Sri Lanka lets you keep yours.
Source: Sri Lankan nationality law (Wikipedia, summarized on 2026-11-11). Laws change — confirm with the Sri Lanka embassy or consulate before your oath ceremony. This is not legal advice.
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