However, like in the case of the biometric Aadhaar Card in India, concerns over data privacy have loomed large. President Wickremesinghe’s administration previously disqualified Indian bidders from the project over purported qualifications issues.
In a recent development, Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Ministers has given the green light to a revised India-funded unique identity card project, marking a significant step forward after months of scrutiny on the biometric card on the lines of India’s Aadhaar. State technology minister Kanaka Herath confirmed that the proposal has been forwarded to the Indian High Commission for further deliberation.
The project, overseen by the technology ministry, has encountered delays awaiting clearance from the public security ministry and final approval from the cabinet. Minister Herath addressed reporters in Colombo, stating, “We have been working on this for the past five months, and finally received cabinet approval last month. We have now submitted our proposal to the Indian High Commission and are awaiting their response.”
Herath expressed optimism about the timeline, noting, “I believe we can commence the tendering process within this month.” The project, which aims to issue digital ID cards with biographic and biometric data such as facial, iris, and fingerprints, received an advance aid of (Indian rupees) Rs 450 from India.
However, like in the case of the biometric Aadhaar Card in India, concerns over data privacy have loomed large. President Wickremesinghe’s administration previously disqualified Indian bidders from the project over purported qualifications issues. Despite reassurances from Herath regarding data security, critics, including security analysts and Public Security Minister Tiran Alles, have raised alarm about potential breaches.
Meanwhile, a separate electronic National Identity Card (e-NIC) project, involving bids from four foreign manufacturers with local partners, has also been initiated, underscoring the government’s efforts in digital identity initiatives. The controversy highlights the balance between technological advancement and safeguarding citizen privacy in the digital age.
An Indo-Sri Lanka Joint Project Monitoring Committee has been established to oversee the progress of the initiative, aimed at enhancing government services, financial inclusion, and poverty reduction in Sri Lanka.
