Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2017-08-01

Introduction and issuance of an Electronic Passport (e-Passport) to the citizens of Sri Lanka

- With the introduction of bio-metrics into the passport processing system, the Department of Immigration and Emigration has commenced the preliminary activities to coincide with the introduction of an 'Electronic Passport' (e-passport) and it has been identified as an essential component under the National Digitalization programme as well. In this context, a passport in electronic format will be issued with a protective electronic chip which includes the bio-metrics of the holder of the Passport. Accordingly, the joint proposal made by Hon. S.B. Navinne, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development and Cultural Affairs and Hon. Harin Fernando, the Minister of Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure to implement the project for the Introduction and issuance of an Electronic Passport under a Public-Private Partnership subsequent to a proper study made on the matter, was approved by the Cabinet.