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Digital NICs to be issued this month

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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.

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Indian High Commissioner meets Defence Secretary

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The Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha met the Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) at the Defence Ministry yesterday (07).

The discussions focused on strengthening the longstanding defence cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, underscoring the deep-rooted bilateral ties between the two nations.

They exchanged views on regional security and maritime cooperation aimed at enhancing defence collaboration.

The Indian High Commissioner emphasized India’s unwavering support for Sri Lanka in defence and security matters, particularly in counter-terrorism, maritime security and disaster response.

The Defence Secretary expressed appreciation for India’s continued assistance and acknowledged the significant role of defence partnerships in ensuring stability and security in the region.

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Security enhanced around Krrish Building after fire incidents

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The Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs says security measures have been reinforced around the Colombo Fort Krrish Building following two recent fire incidents.

Minister Ananda Wijepala confirmed that nearly 20 police officers have been deployed for the security of the area. 

A report from the Government Analyst regarding the fires is expected soon. 

Fires were reported over the past two days, at the Krrish Building, which is currently under construction. 

A fire erupted on the 24th floor yesterday and was extinguished with the help of six fire trucks. 

A fire broke out on the 35th floor the day before and spread to the 34th floor, prompting a multi-hour firefighting operation.

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Senior DIG Waruna Jayasundara transferred

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Senior DIG Attorney-at-Law Waruna Jayasundara, who served as the Commandant of the Police Special Task Force (STF), along with several other high-ranking police officers, have been transferred.

The transfers include Senior DIGs and DIGs while they have been approved by the National Police Commission. These transfers are scheduled to be implemented from February 12.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that several Officers-in-Charge (OICs) are also scheduled to be transferred.

Following the transfers, the respective OICs will resume their normal duties in their new postings.

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