Sri Lanka rolls out digital ID and expanded e-services
A national digital identity is meant to cut queues, leakage and friction across government.
Quick Summary
Sri Lanka is rolling out a national digital identity and a wider set of e-government services, in a push to cut queues, reduce leakage and make everyday dealings with the state less painful.
Convenience and concerns
Supporters argue digital ID can widen access to banking and welfare. Privacy advocates counter that strong data-protection safeguards must come first, not as an afterthought.
The rollout will be watched as a test of whether reform-minded government can deliver on the plumbing of the state.
Senior Political Correspondent
Nimal has covered Sri Lankan politics for over fifteen years, from parliament to the provinces.
