The Department for Registration of Persons (DRP) today requested the public to send in their completed applications before July 17 to obtain National Identity Cards (NICs) as a valid identity document when casting their votes.

He said the decision was taken following a discussion held with the Election Commissioner and several other officials.

The persons who are eligible to cast their votes and those who are above the age limit of 18 should submit their applications before July 17.

The applications received after July 17 would be processed under Temporary Identity Card category. Temporary Identity Cards would be issued only for the election. All applications should be filled properly before sending into the Department.

Temporary Identity Cards would be issued until July 29. The applications received after July 29 will not be processed. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)