Govt. to launch digital NICs this month

Wednesday, 15 January 2025 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Government yesterday announced that it is set to usher in a new era of identification as it prepares to roll out digital National Identity Cards (NICs) this month.

Addressing the media, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne revealed that all new NICs will transition to a digital format, marking a major milestone in the country’s move towards a fully digital economy.

This ambitious initiative is designed to streamline the NIC issuance process, addressing longstanding delays that have frustrated citizens.

The digital transformation comes with a significant price tag, with the total cost estimated at Rs. 20 billion. However, in a bid to reduce the financial strain, Weeraratne disclosed that India has agreed to provide financial assistance to cover half of the project’s expenses.“This is a crucial step forward for Sri Lanka, not just in terms of modernising the identity verification process, but also in positioning ourselves as a digitally advanced nation,” Weeraratne stated.

The introduction of digital NICs is expected to bring multiple benefits, including enhanced security features, quicker issuance times and improved integration with other Government services.