Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harsha de Silva has raised concerns over the Cabinet’s decision to procure 15 million polycarbonate cards under the Electronic National Identity Card (E-NIC) project.
De Silva argued that the polycarbonate cards are unnecessary, particularly in light of Sri Lanka’s broader plans for a unique identification system aimed at digitizing the economy. “We don’t need polycarbonate cards,” he said.
The MP explained that the unique ID project, modelled after India’s Aadhaar system, includes biometric authentication such as fingerprint data and a master integration element that enables secure digital verification.
“This is meant to support the digital economy through a proper authentication system,” he noted.
In contrast, de Silva described the E-NIC project as a narrower effort to digitize the existing national identity card. “There is no 12-digit random code in it. It’s just one project within the larger one,” he said, emphasizing that the E-NIC lacks the advanced security and authentication features needed for a digital economy.
“If we are implementing the larger digital ID system, why are we pursuing this E-NIC project separately?” he questioned. De Silva claimed that a significant amount of money has already been spent on the project and described the additional procurement as “redundant.”
He also noted that officials at the Department of Registration of Persons have questioned the need for the E-NIC, particularly as it is reportedly being implemented under an Indian grant.
However, addressing public concerns, de Silva dismissed rumours that Sri Lankans’ biometric data could be leaked to third parties through the project, calling such claims unfounded.
De Silva said that he also questioned the Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy Dr Hans Wijesuriya on the matter, inquiring if the ID card was deemed a necessity.
“A card is an outdated thing. I asked Hans if it is necessary. He said that it is not. But he pointed that there is a cultural idea around obtaining such a card,” he said.
The SJB MP said that he has repeatedly spoken in Parliament urging the government to suspend this scheme, thereby saving around USD 30 million, stating that it is an unnecessary expense. (Newswire)
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