The introduction of an electronic identity card for all Sri Lankan citizens have come back to the discussion table. It is not a new initiative but the so called "minister of digital stuff" of previous government as well had commented on the initiative. It is unclear what pressing issue this initiative aims to solve as far as Sri Lanka is concerned. Furthermore, there are reports of a plan to introduce methods of identifying individuals using biometric data. It is also said that a powerful neighboring state will provide a grant or a loan for implementing this system. My own opinion is that Sri Lankans have no real need to have an eNIC not to mention the biometrics based identification. What we already have in our NIC and the security is sufficient for ordinary citizens to function in the current society. Of course recording biometric data of convicted criminals may be a different issue. One eNIC proponent had mentioned the need for implementing voting for Sri Lankans working ...
Thoughts from a tropical islander