Cabinet clears procurement of 2.3 m polycarbonate ID cards from Just in Time Technologies again

The Cabinet of Ministers on Wednesday approved the procurement of 2.3 million pre-printed polycarbonate cards from the previous supplier, Just in Time Technologies Ltd., based on recommendations from the relevant committees. 

“This decision ensures the uninterrupted issuance of National Identity Cards by the Department of Registration of Persons,” Cabinet Co-Spoke-sman and Minister Bandula Gunawardena said at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.

Originally, the procurement committee recommended purchasing 5 million pre-printed polycarbonate cards required for printing identity cards. However, following the recommendations of the Procurement Appeal Boards, the Cabinet decided to cancel this procurement at its meeting on 6 May. “Subsequently, approval was granted to procure only the essential quantity of cards from the previous supplier until a new supplier is selected through a fresh procurement process,” he added.

To facilitate this, a negotiation committee and a project committee were appointed by the Cabinet. These committees were tasked with evaluating the prices offered by the supplier and providing recommendations on the quantity of cards to be procured.

The proposal to this effect tabled by Public Security Minister Tiran Alles received Cabinet approval, ensuring that the Department of Registration of Persons can continue issuing National Identity Cards without interruption.