Government Plans Digital ID Rollout, First Phase to Include Face and Fingerprint Data

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Ministry of Digital Economy says that steps are being taken to issue digital identity cards starting from April 2025.

Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne said that the process for collecting data for this purpose, is now in its final stages.

It is planned to provide facilities for the general public to supply data through their respective divisional secretariats.

The Deputy Minister added that a network system has been implemented for this purpose.

Under the first phase of this initiative, facial recognition and fingerprint collection will be carried out for applicants of the digital identity card.

Under the second phase, biometric data such as retinal scans will be added to the digital identity card.

The Deputy Minister also mentioned that new applicants will be issued digital identity cards under the first phase, and later, digital identity cards will be issued for old identity cardholders.