The long-awaited transition to digital national identity cards will begin this month, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne announced today (14) during a media briefing.

“All new National Identity Cards will be issued in a digital format,” stated Weeraratne, emphasising that this move is aimed at eliminating the delays that citizens currently face when obtaining identity cards.

The project, estimated to cost Rs. 20 billion, has received significant financial support from India. “Half of the project cost is being covered through assistance from the Indian government, which eases the financial burden on us,” the Deputy Minister noted.

The new digital NICs are expected to streamline identity verification processes, enhance security, and modernise the country’s identification system.

“This is a pivotal step in embracing the digital era and ensuring efficiency in public services,” Weeraratne added, expressing optimism about the positive impact of this initiative on citizens.