ICTA implements next-gen citizen service delivery technology infrastructure for Foreign Ministry

Minister Mangala Samaraweera Minister for Foreign Affairs unveiling the plaque. Also pictured are Harsha De Silva – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Esala Weerakoon

Harsha De Silva - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs accepting the first document 

Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Esala Weerakoon, Harsha De Silva, Mangala Samaraweera Chairperson of ICTA Chitranganie Mubarak and MD/CEO of ICTA Muhunthan Canagey 

The Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) took another step towards creating a digitally-empowered nation by implementing an electronic Document Attesting System (eDAS) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on February 06th. 
Using this electronic system, citizens can now get their certificates attested and certified within five to fifteen minutes, by simpy accessing one single counter at the Consular division of MFA. 
This service at the consular division of the MFA was inaugurated by President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinge ,Minister of Foreign Affairs Mangala Samaraweera, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Harsha De Silva, and MD/CEO of ICTA Muhunthan Canagey.
  Till the launch of this electronic system, the MFA followed a manual process of document attestation and certification and citizens had to spend two days to obtain this service. However, as a result of the newly implemented technological infrastructure the issuing of certificates can now be done within 15 minutes.  
The state-of-the-art infrastructure includes high speed scanners and biometric authentication for ensuring document safety, traceability, good governance and transparency.
The center has been implemented with the modern queue management system which enables citizens to book appointments using their mobile phones and provides notifications on their mobiles as well.
The solution was deployed on the Government Cloud infrastructure and connected using the government network. The system will also be extended to all foreign embassies.  “ICTA’s vision is to have a digitally inclusive society, and one of its objectives is to ensure an efficient and seamless, citizen friendly experience in government,” said MD/CEO of ICTA Muhunthan Canagey.
The Consular Division of the MFA serves around 500 citizens to attest and certifying their documents on a daily basis and they have to examine and verify more than 1200-1500 documents per day. With the implementation of this electronic system, the MFA can now provide this service in an efficient and effective manner where the general public spends less than fifteen minutes at just one single service desk. With the implementation of eDAS, citizens can also get prior appointments if they are intending to visit the Consular Division to obtain their services. 
Addressing the launching ceremony held at the new premises of the Consular Division, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Harsha de Silva said, “With the newly introduced digital technology, the Ministry is ready to deliver an enhanced service to the public. We have reengineered the entire organization and brought down the time taken to deliver services to the people from  5 to 6 hours or even days, to just 5 to 15 minutes. This is a remarkable achievement”. 
He extended his sincere appreciation to the ICTA for the support extended by them as the service implementation organization.  The Deputy Minister reiterated the Sri Lanka Government’s commitment to achieving a sustainable development of the country through the constructive engagement of all government services. 
Harin Fernando Minister for Telecommunication and Digital infrastructure said, “Digitization of government services plays a vital role where innovative technologies are transforming national infrastructure to kick start the economy and provide great customer experience”
Senior Director General, Consular Division of the MFA,  Ganegamarachchi averred that the newly introduced eDcoument Attestation system in the Consular division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would serve as a perfect example of how effective service delivery can be ensured through Cross Government coordination via digital platforms. “eDocument Attestation systems digitally linked to the public, Sri Lankan and foreign diplomatic missions, divisional secretariats, Department of the Registrar General, Department of Immigration and Emigration, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment, and many others could benefit.