(Commonwealth_ The Sri Lankan government is awaiting clearance from the Public Security Ministry to proceed with an India-funded Unique ID card project, as stated by State Technology Minister Kanaka Herath. Key stakeholders, including President Ranil Wickremesinghe, are scheduled to convene on Friday to discuss the latest developments concerning the project.
The initiative, which has faced delays, encountered a setback when President Wickremesinghe’s government disqualified the two Indian bidders, Madras Security Printers (MSP), and Protein Technologies, who had previously won tenders in the bidding process last year. This decision came amid concerns over data privacy and the protection of personal data of Sri Lankan citizens, prompting the need for further review and reassessment.
“We have finished the procurement and we are trying to advertise it. For that, we need to get the cabinet approval,” Herath informed reporters during a media briefing in Colombo. “In January when we presented the paper to the cabinet, the Public Security Ministry wanted to have observation. On top of that, we have also given our observations.”
As the project awaits clearance from the Public Security Ministry, the upcoming meeting on Friday aims to address key concerns and facilitate progress. India has already provided an advance aid of 450 million Indian rupees to President Wickremesinghe’s government to support the digital ID project, intended to collect biographic and biometric information, including facial, iris, and fingerprint data.
The decision to award the tender to an Indian firm has sparked debates over data privacy, with some security analysts expressing reservations about Indian companies being selected to print the IDs. Public Security Minister Tiran Alles has voiced concerns over potential data privacy breaches, emphasizing his reluctance to allow the data of Sri Lankan citizens to be accessed by any other country.
In parallel to the Indian project, the government has initiated a separate tender process for the electronic National Identity Card (e-NIC) project. Four foreign manufacturers, along with local partners, have submitted bids for this project, which aims to enhance the issuance of NICs. The Department of Personal Registration, responsible for issuing NICs, falls under the purview of Minister Alles’ Ministry of Public Security, while the Indian project is overseen by the Ministry of Technology.
The Indian-funded project is designed to centralize personal data to facilitate the issuance of identification cards in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. Government officials have emphasized its potential to improve the delivery of government services, promote financial inclusion, and contribute to poverty reduction.
Despite the anticipation for progress, concerns regarding data privacy and the involvement of Indian companies persist. The government’s cautious approach reflects its commitment to safeguarding the personal information of its citizens while leveraging technological advancements to enhance governance and service delivery.
Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santhosh Jha, has hinted at potential developments in the project by the middle of the year, signaling optimism for its realization. However, addressing concerns surrounding data privacy and ensuring transparency in the procurement process remain paramount priorities for all stakeholders involved.
The India-funded Unique ID card project, while promising for enhancing administrative efficiency and citizen services, faces critical challenges concerning data security and privacy. The government’s commitment to balancing technological progress with citizen rights is evident in its efforts to address these concerns. By prioritizing data protection measures and ensuring transparency in implementation, authorities aim to foster trust and confidence among citizens. This delicate balance underscores the importance of responsible governance in leveraging technology for societal benefit while upholding fundamental rights and values.
