New identification number for new-borns in Sri Lanka from today

1 August 2022 04:10 pm Views - 3517

The Department for Registration of Persons (DRP) has taken steps to issue birth certificates while including a Sri Lankan Identification Number (SLIN) for newborn babies from today.

DRP Commissioner General Viyani Gunathilaka said the birth certificates are issued as a combination process by DRP and the Registrar General's Department (RGD) for babies born in Sri Lanka.

The decision was announced during the cabinet meeting on December 14, 2021, he said.

The DRP and the RGD are exchanging information through an online based system. The pilot programme was launched at each of the Divisional Secretariat Offices at Gampaha, Dehiwala, Hanguranketha, Kurunegala, Rathnapura and Thamankaduwa today, Gunathilaka said.

The citizens who obtained birth certificates under the new system would be able to get their National Identity Cards (NIC) at the age of 15, following their request according to the given SLIN number on the birth certificate.

"This SLIN will help to prove the personal identity and stored details related to education, health, finance and social information for further reference." The state and private institutions will be able to view their details under SLIN when providing them services, "the Commissioner General added. (Chaturanga Samrawickrama)