-By A Special Correspondent
(Lanka-e-News -19.Jan.2025, 11.00 PM) The government, under the NPP, plans to introduce a biometric-based digital National Identity Card (NIC) system by 2026. The goals are ambitious but necessary:
* Improve public services.
* Boost economic growth.
* Reduce corruption and inefficiency.
* Speed up the painfully slow NIC issuance process.
Biometric data—like fingerprints, facial recognition, and retina scans—will form the backbone of this system. The best part? This digital identity will be the golden key to a host of services, from travel documents to tax collection.
But of course, no good deed goes uncriticized.
1. The “Biometric Boogeyman” Argument
The student leader’s primary concern is the use of biometric data. He agrees that digital identification is great (we’re making progress!) but draws the line at fingerprints and retina scans. Why? Because Big Brother might be watching.
Reality Check: Biometric identification is already used globally in passports, banking, and even your smartphone. Unless the opposition is willing to go back to Nokia 3310s, this argument is as outdated as floppy disks.
2. “Blame India” Syndrome
Another favorite talking point is the tender process. Critics are up in arms about the Indian connection, alleging that the project is being handed over to Indian companies. They conveniently ignore that the NPP government explicitly stated it would execute the project through Sri Lankan departments.
Reality Check: Yes, India is providing funding. But no, they’re not running the show. The real scandal lies with the previous government under President Ranil, who awarded tenders to blacklisted companies in India like Madras Printers and Madras Security. It’s like hiring a chef who’s banned from every restaurant.
3. “Vedda Pride” and Cultural Nostalgia
The student leader’s Vedda origins have added an unexpected twist. He claims biometric data collection is incompatible with traditional Vedda practices. While one might admire his commitment to heritage, it’s unclear how retina scans conflict with, say, hunting with bows and arrows.
Reality Check: The Vedda community, like all Sri Lankans, stands to benefit from digital ID—especially when it comes to accessing government services in remote areas. Let’s not confuse cultural pride with technological regression.
4. The “We Love Paperwork” Club
Opponents argue that the current system—complete with endless forms, queues, and bureaucratic delays—is just fine. Why fix what isn’t broken?
Reality Check: Ask anyone who’s stood in line at the Department of Registration for five hours only to be told, “Come back next week,” and you’ll hear a different story.
1. A Paperless, Cashless Future
Digital identification is the first step toward integrating Sri Lanka into the global digital economy. Imagine paying for your groceries with a QR code instead of fumbling for change or accessing healthcare records instantly instead of lugging around a file folder.
2. Efficient Public Services
Gone are the days when government employees could conveniently “lose” your file. With digital records, corruption and inefficiency will take a major hit.
3. Better Travel Opportunities
Lost your passport abroad? No problem. A digital ID means Sri Lankan embassies can reissue your travel documents within minutes. Plus, visa-free travel agreements become easier when a country has a robust digital identification system.
It’s almost comical how the same people opposing digital IDs are probably using smartphones with facial recognition to rant about it on social media. They’re enjoying the conveniences of the digital world while rallying against progress at home.
And let’s not forget the inconsistency. The critics who are worried about privacy have no problem posting every detail of their lives online. Biometric data? Scary. Sharing your exact location, dinner plans, and favorite songs with Facebook? Totally fine.
In his speech at Katukurunda, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressed these criticisms head-on. He reminded the crowd of the infamous “Bond Scam” orchestrated within 52 days of the 2015 Yahapalanaya government—a stark contrast to the transparency of the NPP.
The president also clarified:
* The NPP government will use Sri Lankan departments, not foreign companies, to roll out the digital ID system.
* Billions are being invested in upgrading infrastructure like storage facilities to tackle inefficiencies and corruption.
* Critics need to distinguish between legitimate concerns and baseless fearmongering.
Sri Lanka cannot afford to be left behind. The global economy is moving at lightning speed, and digital identification is the passport to keeping up.
Tax Collection: A robust ID system will help plug leaks in the economy.
Economic Growth: Streamlined processes attract foreign investment.
Social Services: Citizens will have easier access to healthcare, education, and subsidies.
In the end, the benefits far outweigh the imagined risks.
The opposition to digital ID is less about genuine concerns and more about political posturing, cultural nostalgia, and a fear of the unknown. While it’s important to address valid criticisms, we must also call out baseless arguments for what they are: distractions.
As Sri Lanka gears up for a digital future, the country needs informed debate—not comedy sketches masquerading as activism. Let’s leave the drama to the theaters and focus on building a nation ready to embrace the 21st century.
To the student leader and his comrades: If you’re going to oppose progress, at least come armed with facts. Because right now, your arguments are as flimsy as a paper NIC in a monsoon.
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by (2025-01-19 18:57:41)
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