AllegroTrans Apr 22:

OK but "nitpicking" is essential for legal translation, it's not poetry and you can't wing it.

Daryo Apr 22:

@ AllegroTrans you are right - partially. This "registrar" is also in charge of what is UK the Land Registry.

But still remains the fact that in some countries you would be dealing with "the Ministry / the Registry" and in some other with "the Minister / the Registrar". May seem like nitpicking to you, but you wouldn't believe how much arguing that distinction can generate.

BTW this birth certificate could NOT have been signed BY District registrar's office - only ON BEHALF OF ...

nicole GELISTER (asker) Apr 21:

for info :www.rgd.gov.lk › web › indexRegistrar General's Department
Apr 8, 2024 · Our mission is the registration of legal documents pertaining to movable and immovable properties and registration of titles in Sri Lanka and registration of marriages, births...

nicole GELISTER (asker) Apr 21:

Hi Allegro you are right, I have made an error in the sentence. Nonetheless there is a Registrar General in Sri Lanka which deals not only with births etc. but also with land. The country is divided in District which are in turn divided into 'divisions'. THere are therefore 2 different meanings here, I do not like the term 'registraire' particulary, so I have to find a way to convey the meaning of REGISTAR GENERAL'S OFFICE. Apologies for bad spelling and thanks to you and Daryo for your suggestions. Nicole

AllegroTrans Apr 19:

Nicole Could you answer please? Thank you

AllegroTrans Apr 18:

Daryo That is pure speculation on your part and we need Nicole to respond to my query. How they name official bodies on the Indian sub-continent doesn't always follow British assumptions.

Daryo Apr 18:

I see where is the potential problem This "registrar" is in fact the "District Registrar" - the one in charge of a whole Sri Lankan district.

So this one "Registrar" is in fact the personification for the "District registry of births, marriages & deaths".

It's in fact the "General office" of the "District Registry".

Same difference as a document being signed either by a Minister (the person in charge) or by the Ministry (the institution).

Daryo Apr 18:

That would certainly make far more sense.

A run-of-the-mill simple registrar being so busy that a "general office" is needed doesn't sound much likely, even in countries that adore pushing Parkinson's law of bureaucracy to the extremes.

OTOH there wouldn't be anything unexpected in an "Office" being attached to a "Registrar General".

AllegroTrans Apr 18:

Asker Are you sure it isn't REGISTRAR GENERAL'S OFFICE?