Digital ID card to be issued from this month

Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne says that the digital ID card is expected to be issued from this month.

Participating in a media briefing held today (14), the Deputy Minister stated that all newly issued ID cards are expected to be digitalized.

He also said that since there is already a huge delay in obtaining ID cards, steps will be taken to minimize it through this.

The Deputy Minister also stated that since the cost of preparing the digital ID card system will be around Rs. 20 billion, it has been decided to obtain half of it under Indian assistance.

Concerns raised over Indian company’s involvement

The People’s Struggle Alliance has expressed deep concerns over the Sri Lankan government’s decision to entrust the issuance of digital identity cards to an Indian company.

The Alliance raised its objections in a formal letter to Minister Vijitha Herath, following his recent statement that the government plans to finalize an agreement with an Indian firm by January 2025.

The Alliance observed that the agreement, which was initiated during President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s state visit to India, reportedly grants the Indian company authority over issuing digital identity cards to Sri Lankan citizens.

The Alliance fears this move poses significant threats to national security, public safety, democratic rights, the state economy, and Sri Lanka’s sovereignty.

In their letter, the Alliance stressed that such a critical decision must be carefully examined in light of its broader implications.