Connect with us

News

Digital NICs to be issued this month

Published

on

The digital National Identity Cards (NICs) will be issued by this month, Digital Economy Deputy Minister – Eranga Weeraratne has said.

Speaking at a media briefing today (Jan. 14), he said that all new National Identity Cards (NICs) will be transitioned to a digital format.  

The initiative aims to alleviate the delay in the current system issuing NICs.

Noting that the total cost of implementing the digital NIC system is estimated as Rs. 20 billion, the Deputy Minister has said that half the cost will be covered through assistance from India.

The Deputy Minister has also addressed security concerns voiced lately. “There’s no need for concern about the digital identity system. The Indian company is only assisting with the technical setup and will not have access to any personal data. The government will be the sole entity with access to the information,” he had said.

Earlier, the Movement for the People’s Struggle had urged the government to explain reasons for the integration of the people’s biometric details in electronic identity cards.

Speaking to media, the movement’s Executive Member Wasantha Mudalige had said, “An explanation should be issued as to why these details are obtained. One might think that this is due to technology, safety, or convenience-related reasons. But, that is not the case… The issue is, with Government involvement, we are giving India permission to collect all these details for the purpose of issuing electronic identity cards…”

He said the decision to obtain an Indian company’s services is a result of decisions made by the previous government.

Mudalige had also expressed concerns about the possible leak of biometric data.

News

Landslide warnings issued for 07 districts

Published

on

By

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued landslide warnings for seven districts due to ongoing adverse weather conditions.

A Level-2 warning has been issued for the Ayagama and Ratnapura areas in the Ratnapura District.

Level-1 warnings have been issued for the following Divisional Secretariat Divisions:

  • Colombo District: Padukka
  • Galle District: Elpitiya
  • Kalutara District: Walallawita, Agalawatte, Palindanuwara, Bulathsinhala, and Mathugama
  • Kandy District: Ganga Ihala Korale
  • Kegalle District: Yatiyanthota, Deraniyagala, Dehiowita
  • Nuwara Eliya District: Ambagamuwa
  • Ratnapura District: Pelmadulla, Eheliyagoda, Nivitigala, Kuruwita, Elapatha, and Kalawana

Continue Reading

News

Showers expected in parts of the island today

Published

on

By

Showers have been predicted at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North-western provinces today (June 16), according to the Department of Meteorology.

Fairly heavy rains above 50 mm are likely at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts.

A few showers may occur in the Northern province and in the Anuradhapura district as well.

Strong winds of about 40-50kmph can be expected at times over the Western slopes of the central hills and in the Northern, North-central, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Northwestern provinces and in the Trincomalee district.

The general public has also been requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds.

Continue Reading

News

19-yr.-old dies after hotel elevator collapses

Published

on

By

Moratuwa Police launched an investigation after a 19-year-old youth had died after an electric elevator at a hotel collapsed on June 14.

The deceased is a resident of Arukgoda in Panadura, and was an employee at the Bolgoda Hotel in Moratuwa.

According to reports, the elevator, which was reportedly designated solely for the use of hotel employees, had given away when the youth was inside, injuring him critically. He was rushed to the Panadura Base Hospital but was pronounced dead upon admission.

The management of the hotel has lodged a complaint with the Moratuwa Police regarding the incident. Further investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the elevator collapse.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Sri Lanka Mirror. All Rights Reserved