Colombo (News 1st); President Gotabaya Rajapaksa instructed officials to take necessary measures to issue the new “unique digital identity card” to every citizen as soon as possible.

The status of the proposed “unique digital identity card”, which will be issued by obtaining biodata of all citizens only once in the lifetime, was reviewed by the President yesterday.

Individual biodata could be viewed physically as well as through the internet.

The new identity card which contains the most accurate data comprises information required by departments and agencies governed under different laws.

According to the President’s Media Division, it includes information furnished not only for obtaining passports and driving licenses but also for purposes of pension, Samurdhi allowance, income tax, and casting vote.

The idea of a digital identity card was first mooted by the President when he was the Secretary Defence.

The initial preparation relating to the matter commenced in 2012.

The new identity card will be prepared by a committee of experts under the direction of the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) and the supervision of a Presidential Task Force.

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