Sri Lanka strengthens Civil Registration and Vital Statistics system with launch of new UN-supported digital transformation initiative

From left: WHO Sri Lanka Officer-In-Charge Dr. Shalala Ahmadova, EU Delegation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Charge d’Affaires Lars Bredal, Senior Deputy Registrar General Lakshika Ganepola, UNDP Sri Lanka Resident Representative Azusa Kubota, Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka Marc-Andre Franche, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Digital Economy Deputy Minister Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, Chief Adviser to the President on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, MODE Secretary-Acting Waruna Sri Dhanapala, and Registrar General W.R.A.N.S. Wijayasinghe 

• Govt. and UN Sri Lanka launch ‘One Registry’ initiative to accelerate SDGs

The Government of Sri Lanka and the United Nations in Sri Lanka have launched the ‘Transforming Local Administrative Data Collection Systems for SDG Acceleration’ Joint Programme, marking a significant step towards strengthening the country’s Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system.

This initiative, named ‘One Registry’, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Sri Lanka, and supported via the UN Sri Lanka SDG Fund, aligns with the Government’s broader digital transformation agenda and strategy, aiming to ensure equitable access to quality public services for all citizens, particularly vulnerable populations, and paves the way for inclusive digital transformation and sustainable development.

The project launch was held recently in Colombo, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Dr. A.H.M.H. Abayarathna, Digital Economy Ministry Deputy Minister Eng. Eranga Weeraratne, Registrar General W.R.A.N.S. Wijayasinghe, UN Sri Lanka Resident Coordinator Marc-Andre Franche, UNDP Sri Lanka Resident Representative Azusa Kubota, WHO Sri Lanka Officer-in-Charge Dr. Shalala Ahmadova, and Chief Adviser to the President on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, alongside UN partners, development agencies, private sector organisations, and CSOs.

Highlighting the program’s transformative potential, Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya emphasised that: “Strengthening the CRVS system is a transformative step towards enhancing public administration and driving our digital agenda. This initiative will ensure every Sri Lankan has access to critical services and a recognised legal identity, fostering transparency, inclusivity, and progress.”

The initiative focuses on three pillars: digitalised civil registration processes, a functional interoperable registry linked with key Government agencies, and increased public awareness and digital literacy to maximise the system’s benefits. These efforts will complement national digital initiatives, such as the e-NIC and Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity (SLUDI) projects, advancing the country’s vision of a unified and digitally inclusive society.

Reflecting on the UN’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, Franche commented: “The CRVS program is a critical part of Sri Lanka’s digital journey, providing legal identity for all and generating high-quality data for data-driven policymaking. With the right policies and partnerships, digital technology can drive sustainable development, fostering greater inclusivity and accountability in governance. The UN in Sri Lanka is proud to partner with the Government to build a people-centred system that leaves no one behind.”

Commenting on the initiative, Bredal noted: “We are happy to partner with the Government of Sri Lanka, UNDP, and WHO through the UN Sri Lanka SDG Fund on the launch of the Joint Programme to modernise the country’s CRVS system, facilitating equitable access to quality public services. As a global contributor to the Joint SDG Fund’s digitalisation window, the EU Global Gateway funding will directly contribute to progress on interlinked SDGs through investment in digitalisation. The EU stands ready to share best practices in digitalisation and data protection.”

The ‘One Registry – Everyone Counts!

project supports Sri Lanka’s commitment to achieving the SDGs by laying the groundwork for scalable and sustainable reforms, setting a robust foundation for data-driven policymaking and digital inclusion in Sri Lanka.