Sri Lanka is set to launch its Electronic National Identity Card (e-NIC) with the last batch of 400,000 cards from Thales arriving by June. The project integrates biometric data for enhanced identity verification and is part of a broader digital ID strategy. The government is promoting awareness across state and private sectors.
Sri Lanka is gearing up for the rollout of its Electronic National Identity Card (e-NIC), with the last batch of 400,000 cards from Thales expected to be delivered by the end of June. M.S.P. Suriyapperuma, director general of the Department of Registration of Persons, confirmed this development, indicating the project is moving forward. The initiative aims to strengthen identity verification processes in the country.
Suriyapperuma mentioned that the government is on the verge of activating biometric data capturing necessary for the e-NIC project. President Anura Kumar Dissanayaka, who also holds the position of Minister of Digital, will reportedly gazette this activation soon. The legal framework for implementing biometric capturing is already laid out in the NIC Act, but formal activation is still pending.
These e-NICs are designed to include biometric data like fingerprints, iris scans, and facial recognition features, effectively enhancing security. Suriyapperuma noted that integrating the e-NIC with the Sri Lanka Unique Digital ID project is also part of the plan. These cards will issue unique identification numbers, consolidating multiple forms of ID and critical data such as birth certificates and tax information.
Further insights from Suriyapperuma highlighted the importance of digitization for data collection and the formulation of data-driven policies. The Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka is increasing awareness campaigns about the e-NIC in state organizations, alongside outreach efforts in private sectors to help align them with this initiative.
Thales is a major player globally, responsible for about one in three civil ID issuances each year. The company’s work revolves around facilitating the transition to digital identities for governments and citizens alike. Their Civil Identity Suite stands out as it supports the management and issuance of both physical and digital identities, solidifying Thales’s position in the identity sector.
In summary, Sri Lanka’s move towards the Electronic National Identity Card, supported by Thales, is on track for completion with the delivery of the last 400,000 cards this June. This initiative seeks to boost identity verification through biometric data, with integration into a broader digital ID framework. Awareness programs are being implemented to facilitate its adoption across public and private sectors, reflecting a significant shift towards digitization in the country.
Original Source: www.biometricupdate.com
