President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday reviewed the current status of the proposed “unique digital identity card”, which will be issued by obtaining bio data of all citizens only once in the life time.
Individual bio data could be viewed physically as well as through the internet. The new identity card which contains the most accurate data, comprises information required by departments and agencies governed under different laws.
It includes information that has to be furnished not only for obtaining passports and driving licences but also for purposes of pension, Samurdhi allowance, income tax and casting vote.
The idea of a digital identity card was first mooted by the President when he was the Secretary Defence. The initial preparation relating to the matter commenced in 2012. The new identity card will be prepared by a committee of experts under the direction of Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) and the supervision of a Presidential Task Force.
President instructed the officials to take measures to issue the new identity card to every citizen as soon as possible.
(PMD News)