New system to obtain IDs through Divisional Secretariats

• Latest measure to reduce people converging at Department premises
• One-day service suspended but emergency IDs to be issued via DS

The Department for Registration of Persons yesterday said the one day service to issue identity cards has been suspended due to COVID-19 concerns, but a new system to issue emergency identity cards through Divisional Secretariats has been initiated instead.  

Issuing a statement, the Department said one-day service had been halted to prevent a large number of people converging at the department, increasing the threat of spreading COVID-19. The one-day service was supposed to kick off on 16 May, but has now been indefinitely suspended, according to the Department. However, a new system has been set in place for identity cards to be issued via Divisional Secretariats.  

“Emergency identity cards can be applied by people needing to sit for exams, obtain a passport, obtain a driving license and go for job interviews. Anyone needing an emergency identity card needs to inform the Grama Niladhari in their area and hand over the application to the identity card window at the relevant Divisional Secretariat. Once the application has been received the information will be entered into a system and the Department will quickly issue the identity card, which will be posted to the homes of applicants,” the statement said. 

Anyone who had prepared to apply for the one-day service before 16 May can also forward their applications to the Divisional Secretariat. The normal process for obtaining identity cards will also continue parallel to the emergency service. 

“All students needing the identity card to sit for the upcoming Ordinary Level exam should send in their applications as soon as possible. The deadline for applicants was 31 March but given the mobility restrictions imposed by the Government the Department of Registration of Persons will continue to accept applications during this month as well,” the statement said.