For many Sri Lankan families, finding a life partner for a son or daughter is a journey shared by both parents. Parents often take the first step by writing and posting the proposal by themselves. A clear, honest, well-written proposal can make the difference between many replies and many suitable ones. This guide explains how to publish a well-prepared marriage proposal, what to include, and how to stay safe when you post Sri Lankan marriage proposals online.
Before you post: talk to your son or daughter
The best proposals begin with a conversation at home. Before you write anything, sit down with your son or daughter and agree on a few things by having a friendly conversation with them.
Are they ready and willing? A proposal works best when the person at the centre of it is fully part of the decision.
What do they want in a partner? Ask about education, career, values, lifestyle and family expectations, and where they hope to live, and, in other words, their preferences about the partner they are going to marry.
What details are they comfortable sharing? Some details are best kept private until you have a serious reply.
Which photos do they like? The photos you are going to use when posting the marriage proposal, so they should approve them.
A proposal written together feels more genuine, and your child will be better prepared when replies arrive.
What to include in a marriage proposal
Section | What to include |
| Basic details | Age, height, civil status, religion, and community if you wish to share it |
| Education | Degrees, professional qualifications, and where they studied |
| Career | Job title, field, and general location (the exact workplace is not needed) |
| Family | Parents’ occupations, number of siblings, and your family’s general background |
| Horoscope | Date, time and place of birth if you use horoscope matching (porondam) |
| Lifestyle | Interests, values and habits, such as diet and whether they drink or smoke |
| Partner preferences | Age range, education, location and other things that really matter to you |
| Contact | A phone number or email you check regularly |
How to describe your child
The description is the part most parents struggle with. Aim to be warm, specific, simple, easy to understand, and honest.
Weak: “Our son is a good boy from a good family looking for a suitable girl.”
Better: “Our son is a 29-year-old software engineer in Colombo who enjoys cricket and travelling. He values family, is close to his parents and sister, and is looking for a caring, educated partner who shares those values.”
Tips:
Use specific details instead of general praise, such as hobbies, character, and what they care about.
Keep it honest. Overstating qualities leads to disappointment at the first meeting.
Mention what makes your family warm and welcoming, not only what your child has achieved.
Keep it short enough to read in a minute or two; too many long descriptions make it confusing and hard to read and understand.
Writing partner preferences
Be clear, but flexible where you can. A very long list of conditions can discourage good replies, while an overly vague one attracts mismatched ones.
Separate must-haves (such as values, religion if essential, or willingness to relocate) from nice-to-haves.
Write in a positive tone, for example, “looking for a caring partner” rather than a list of things you do not want.
Ask your son or daughter to review this section, since it describes the person they will spend life with.
Choosing the right photos
Photos are often the first thing a family looks at.
Use recent, clear photos where the face is visible, including one simple portrait and one full-length photo.
Choose natural, smiling photos in plain, decent clothing.
Avoid heavy filters, group photos where it is unclear who your child is, and sunglasses in every picture.
Share photos only with your child’s consent, and think carefully about what you are comfortable making public.
Horoscope details: what to share
In many families, horoscope compatibility is one of the first things checked. If your family uses it, include the date, time, and place of birth, or say that the horoscope is available on request. Having an accurate horoscope ready saves time when a promising proposal comes in.
Staying safe and protecting privacy
A good proposal shares enough to attract the right families without exposing your child unnecessarily.
Keep sensitive details private at first: exact home address, workplace details, financial information, and ID numbers.
Use a phone number or email you control rather than your child’s personal accounts.
Be careful with anyone who asks for money, rushes you to meet, or avoids giving verifiable details.
Verify before you meet. Ask for more information, speak with the family, and check details through relatives or mutual contacts where you can.
Meet in a public place or with family for the first meeting.
What to do when replies arrive
Reply promptly and politely, even if you decide it is not a match.
Share the reply with your son or daughter so the decision stays shared.
Compare details and horoscopes if you use them.
Speak to the other family by phone before arranging a meeting.
Arrange a first family meeting in a comfortable, neutral setting.
Take your time. A good match is more important than a fast one.
Common mistakes parents make
Posting without the son’s or daughter’s agreement
Writing vague or exaggerated descriptions
Using outdated or low-quality photos
Sharing too much personal information too early
Setting too many strict conditions
Responding slowly, so good proposals lose interest
Not updating the proposal when details change
How to post a proposal on Poruwa.lk
Visit www.poruwa.lk
Click “Create / Login”.
Enter your phone number, then enter the one-time password (OTP) sent to it.
Enter your basic information.
5. Review your details, then select a package and payment method to publish your ad
6. Once your payment is successful, click “Complete my Ad” to add the rest of your details.
7. To complete your account, fill in the sections marked “Incomplete” or “Optional” on this page, then click “Submit for Review.
Now you can see your proposal on Poruwa.lk through https://www.poruwa.lk/search and update it whenever you need to.
Frequently asked questions
Can parents post a marriage proposal for their children?
Yes. In Sri Lanka many families post proposals on behalf of a son or daughter. It works best when your child agrees with the details and photos.
What details should be in a Sri Lankan marriage proposal?
Include age, education, career, family background, horoscope details if you use them, a short personal description and clear partner preferences.
Should I include a horoscope?
If your family uses horoscope matching, yes. If not, you can say the horoscope is available on request.
Is it safe to post my child’s photo online?
Share only photos your child is comfortable with, keep sensitive details private, and be careful about who you contact and meet.
How long does it take to get replies? It varies. A complete, honest proposal with clear photos usually attracts more attention. Review and update it if you receive few replies.
Final thoughts
Posting a marriage proposal for your son or daughter is a thoughtful, caring step. By preparing together, writing honestly, protecting privacy and responding promptly, you give your child the best chance of meeting someone who truly suits them. Start with a clear, warm proposal, and let the right family find you.
Ready to begin? Post your proposal on Poruwa.lk today.
Related reading: Sri Lankan Marriage Proposals: Kandyan vs Low-Country Customs (link to your existing post).
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