Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harsha de Silva has raised concerns over the Cabinet’s decision to procure 15 million polycarbonate cards under the Electronic National Identity Card (E-NIC) project.

De Silva argued that the polycarbonate cards are unnecessary, particularly in light of Sri Lanka’s broader plans for a unique identification system aimed at digitizing the economy. “We don’t need polycarbonate cards,” he said.

The MP explained that the unique ID project, modelled after India’s Aadhaar system, includes biometric authentication such as fingerprint data and a master integration element that enables secure digital verification.

“This is meant to support the digital economy through a proper authentication system,” he noted.

In contrast, de Silva described the E-NIC project as a narrower effort to digitize the existing national identity card. “There is no 12-digit random code in it. It’s just one project within the larger one,” he said, emphasizing that the E-NIC lacks the advanced security and authentication features needed for a digital economy.

“If we are implementing the larger digital ID system, why are we pursuing this E-NIC project separately?” he questioned. De Silva claimed that a significant amount of money has already been spent on the project and described the additional procurement as “redundant.”

He also noted that officials at the Department of Registration of Persons have questioned the need for the E-NIC, particularly as it is reportedly being implemented under an Indian grant.

However, addressing public concerns, de Silva dismissed rumours that Sri Lankans’ biometric data could be leaked to third parties through the project, calling such claims unfounded.

De Silva said that he also questioned the Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy Dr Hans Wijesuriya on the matter, inquiring if the ID card was deemed a necessity.

“A card is an outdated thing. I asked Hans if it is necessary. He said that it is not. But he pointed that there is a cultural idea around obtaining such a card,” he said.

The SJB MP said that he has repeatedly spoken in Parliament urging the government to suspend this scheme, thereby saving around USD 30 million, stating that it is an unnecessary expense. (Newswire)

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The government has responded to reports surrounding the Rs. 50.7 million allocation for the procurement of Power Distribution Units (PDUs) under the Electronic National Identity Card (e-NIC) project.

In a statement, Acting Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy Waruna Sri Dhanapala said recent media coverage on the procurement has been misleading.

According to the ministry, the procurement of 700 PDUs followed the guidelines of the National Procurement Commission and was based on specifications prepared by technical experts from the University of Moratuwa and the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA).

The Department for Registration of Persons initiated the bidding process on April 29, 2025, under reference number DRP/e-NIC/PRO/2025/06. Eleven companies collected bid documents, and eight submitted proposals under the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) framework.

The evaluation, conducted in line with national procurement guidelines, included a preliminary review, a detailed technical assessment, and a post-qualification evaluation. The bid deemed the lowest substantially responsive—meeting all technical criteria—was selected. The cost for 700 units was approximately Rs. 50 million, excluding VAT, the statement said. 

Officials noted that three companies submitted higher bids, placing the selected supplier fifth in terms of bid value. Roughly one-third of the total cost was attributed to transportation of the units to district offices.

Before a final decision, the procurement committee reviewed two appeals under section 8.5 of the guidelines. Both were dismissed, and a recommendation was sent to the Ministry of Digital Economy for approval. As of now, a final decision has not been announced, the Ministry stated. 

The government maintains that the procurement process was transparent and compliant. However, criticism has emerged after claims surfaced that the actual production cost could be as low as Rs. 7.7 million. 

Critics allege that Browns Engineering Pvt Ltd, received favourable treatment in the tender process, and that units could be assembled by technical officers at the district level for a lower cost of Rs. 11,000 each. (Newswire)

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The Collective for Social Media Declaration (CSMD) has expressed concerns regarding three critical matters of public policy and governance that it says require urgent attention and greater transparency from the government.

In a letter addressed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, CSMD has raised concerns regarding the Online Safety Act (OSA), e-NIC project, and media agreements signed with Chinese state broadcasters and information departments.

“Your Excellency, your administration came to power promising a different approach to governance. However, these three instances suggest a concerning continuation of previous patterns of policy implementation without adequate public consultation or transparency. The government already knows how much a robust democracy requires not just good policies but also clear communication, public accountability, and meaningful stakeholder engagement in the policymaking process. We only ask that the promises made around a shift in, and the desperately needed reform of our political culture, including policymaking, are realised,” it said.

CSMD further urged the President to address these concerns by immediately making public the relevant documentation, establishing clear consultation frameworks, seeking input from experts, and ensuring that all policy decisions are communicated in a timely manner with the transparency and accountability that the Sri Lankan people deserve. (Newswire)

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