Allegations Raised Over Biometric Data Handling in Sri Lanka

Former Convener of the Inter-University Students’ Federation (IUSF), Wasantha Mudalige, has alleged that there is a plan to hand over the biometric data of Sri Lanka citizens—including fingerprints and iris scans—to an Indian company.

Speaking to the media, he claimed that authority over the biometric data system used for National Identity Cards has already been granted to India.

He further stated that since 2012, more than Rs. 5.6 billion has been spent on software development for the electronic National Identity Card project, and that the remaining work could be completed with an additional Rs. 600 million.

Mudalige also alleged that steps had been taken during the 2021 administration to involve Indian entities in the implementation of the project.