The Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs has announced that Sri Lanka is moving forward with the implementation of an e-Passport (electronic passport) issuance system.
Deputy Minister of Public Security, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala, confirmed that with the court’s injunction now lifted, there are no legal barriers to launching the system. He stated that the issuance of e-Passports is expected to begin within the next eight months, with agreements already signed with the relevant companies.
Currently, passports are being issued under the normal procedure. However, preparations are also underway to import one million new passports to meet future demand.
Meanwhile, Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala, revealed plans to recruit 186 new Immigration and Emigration officers to facilitate the proposed 24-hour passport issuance system. A request has been submitted to the Department of Examinations to schedule a recruitment exam for graduates, with a Gazette notification to be issued once the date is confirmed.
Additionally, efforts are in progress to introduce the 24-hour passport issuance service, with a proposal submitted to the Public Service Commission for the temporary recruitment of 14 Assistant Controllers for the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
