The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA), Government of India launched a scheme called “Tracing the Roots” in October 2008 to facilitate Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) in tracing their roots in India. PIOs who intend to trace their roots in India need to apply in prescribed form through the High Commission of India, Colombo, Consulates General of India in Jaffna and Hambantota and Assistant High Commission of India, Kandy by depositing the prescribed fee. Guidelines and application form for this purpose is available on MOIS’s website http://moia.gov.in.

The charges per application is Sl.Rs.72,480/-. The amount has to be paid at the time of applying. In case the search is not successful, a sum of SL.Rs.48,320/- will be returned to the applicant.

All PIOs who are interested in the scheme, may visit the MOIA’s website ‘http://moia.gov.in’ for more information.