News

Digital ID project starts next month

Published

4 weeks ago

December 22, 2024

editor

Sri Lanka and India will jointly collaborate to expedite the implementation of the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identification (SLUDI) project to aid the country in its efforts to improve the delivery of state services to the people.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) is due to be signed next month, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said.

During President Anura Kumara Disanayake’s visit to India last week, he conveyed the government’s interest in exploring the establishment of the successful people-centric digitalisation programmes undertaken by India. In response, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed India’s readiness to fully support Sri Lanka’s efforts and agreed to the speedy implementation of the SLUDI project.

Minister Herath said the SLUDI would assist people in obtaining government services, including payments to Aswesuma beneficiaries and easier access to other state services. “This system will eliminate the need for middlemen, as money can be sent directly to beneficiaries, and there will be less corruption. It will be similar to India’s Aadhaar card, which has benefitted millions of people,” he said.

He said India’s highly successful digitalisation of the state sector had received worldwide admiration.

The Digital Economic Affairs Ministry, which comes under the President, and the Information Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) will collaborate with the Indian government to implement the project.

An Indian government delegation is expected to visit Sri Lanka next month in this regard.

It is the first Indian investment project to start after the new government took office.

In addition to this project, the two countries will also roll out Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in Sri Lanka and establish a joint working group to explore the implementation of the DPI based on experience and the system already established in India.

The two countries will promote digital financial transactions by extending the use of the UPI (United Payment Interface) digital payments for the benefit of both countries, in keeping with regulatory guidelines of both countries.

(The Sunday Times)

(This story, originally published by The Sunday Times has not been edited by SLM staff)

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Ministry to restore idle government vehicles

Published

15 minutes ago

January 17, 2025

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The Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, and Local Government has announced plans to repair unused government vehicles currently stored in warehouses.

Minister Professor Chandana Abeyratne revealed that numerous vehicles belonging to various departments are idle and in poor condition. However, some of these vehicles can be repaired and reintroduced into service to address the shortage of functional vehicles that has been impacting government institutions.

The ministry plans to identify repairable vehicles, carry out necessary maintenance, and return them to operational use. Additionally, a special investigation will be conducted to ensure that government vehicles assigned to ministries and provincial councils are being utilized effectively and responsibly.

Source – News1st

News

Writ petition against Mannar Wind Power Project fixed for May 23

Published

47 minutes ago

January 17, 2025

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A writ petition seeking an order to prevent authorities from issuing any permits or approvals for carrying out the wind power plant project on Mannar Island was yesterday fixed for May 23 by the Court of Appeal.

The petition was filed by the President of the Sri Lanka Green Organization, Sanka Chandima Abhayawardena. Counsel appearing on behalf of the Attorney General informed Court that several important applications related to the matter are scheduled to be called before the Supreme Court in March.

The Attorney General’s Department further stated that the Government has not yet made a final decision regarding the project. Taking these facts into consideration, Court of Appeal Judge S. U. B. Karalliyadde scheduled the petition for May 23.

The Petitioner stated that the Cabinet of Ministers of previous regime, has purportedly decided to award the Construction and operation of the Mannar Wind Power Project (Phase-II) in the Mannar Island to Adani Green Energy Sri Lanka Limited (AGESL), as a Build, Own and Operate (BOO) project for a period of 25 years.

(DailyNews)

(This story, originally published by DailyNews has not been edited by SLM staff)

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SJB appoints committee for talks on working together with UNP

Published

10 hours ago

January 16, 2025

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The Working Committee of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has approved a proposal for discussions to work together with the United National Party (UNP).

Accordingly, a five-member committee, headed by SJB General Secretary – Ranjith Madduma Bandara, has been appointed for the discussions.