Sri Lanka is gearing up for a digital transformation that could redefine how citizens access public services. By April 2026, the government plans to launch a National Digital Identity (Digital ID) system, marking a major leap toward modern, secure, and inclusive governance. Ada Derana+2Daily Mirror+2 Supported by a LKR 10.4 billion grant from India, the initiative promises to simplify access to public services, improve data security, and pave the way for Sri Lanka’s digital economy ambitions. Ada Derana+1
What makes this Digital ID system particularly interesting is its technological backbone: the MOSIP platform, an open-source identity management framework that is already used by several countries around the world. Ada Derana The choice of MOSIP over proprietary alternatives reflects a deliberate strategy: to adopt a cost-effective, scalable system that gives Sri Lanka sovereign control over citizen data without vendor lock-in. According to officials, this will pave the way for a more resilient and customizable national identity infrastructure. Lanka News Web
To bring this vision to life, the Ministry of Digital Economy is working with a certified Indian systems integrator to adapt MOSIP for Sri Lankan needs. Meanwhile, local IT professionals will be trained to operate and maintain the system long-term. Ada Derana Data collection, especially biometric data like fingerprints and iris scans, will only begin once the system is fully under local management — a step designed to ensure data sovereignty and public trust. Ada Derana+1
Security is at the heart of the plan. The system will run on infrastructure owned and operated by the Sri Lankan government, and a full security audit will be conducted by Sri Lanka CERT before launch. Daily Mirror+1 Biometric data — including fingerprints, facial recognition, and iris scans — will be encrypted using multiple layers both in transit and at rest, according to government statements. Ada Derana+1
The existing National Identity Cards (NICs) will remain valid during a 3–5 year transition period, and each physical card will be digitally linked to the new system to ensure continuity. Daily Mirror Meanwhile, users will be able to access their digital identity through a mobile app called “e-Locker”, which supports biometric login, QR code authentication, and even manual face verification. Daily Mirror For individuals who prefer tangible proof, a printable digital ID version will also be available, creating a bridge between physical and digital identity.
But as with any large-scale digital overhaul, there are voices urging caution. Some experts and citizen groups are raising concerns about data protection, legal oversight, and the concentration of sensitive information. Lanka News Web Questions remain about how biometric databases will be governed, who will manage them, and how citizens’ rights will be safeguarded in case of misuse.
To build trust, the government has emphasized that all data capture will be handled exclusively by the Department for Registration of Persons (DRP). Ada Derana The integration to other state services — such as social security, healthcare, and banking — is expected to be gradual and carefully controlled.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has publicly assured citizens that privacy is not being sacrificed for convenience. In a televised address, he said that their biometric and personal data will be “absolutely secure” and that they must trust the professionals building the system. Lanka Sara The government has also invested in hardware: 350 biometric devices — including cameras and fingerprint scanners — have already been procured for the rollout. Biometric Update
The project is already navigating a critical phase: the selection of a local Managed Service Provider (MSP). Once chosen, there will be a six-month “knowledge transfer” from the integrator to local teams, marking a commitment to local ownership and long-term sustainability. Lanka News Web After this, the system’s full rollout will begin, including nationwide collection of biometric data and the issuance of digital IDs in earnest.
If successful, Sri Lanka’s digital ID will become more than a card or app — it could become a backbone for future innovation. A secure, unified identity system can streamline access to government services, make social welfare distribution more efficient, and even boost financial inclusion by linking identities to digital payments, banking, and credit services.
For Sri Lankans, the promise is powerful: no more waiting in long lines at government offices, no more juggling multiple identity documents, and a safer, more trusted way to prove who you are. But beyond convenience, this system has the potential to be a cornerstone of national transformation: a digital foundation for a more inclusive, efficient, and transparent future.
