The Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs has announced that preparations are underway to introduce an electronic passport (e-Passport) issuance system, marking a significant upgrade in the country’s passport services.
Deputy Minister of Public Security, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala, confirmed that with the recent lifting of the Court’s injunction order, there are no longer any legal barriers to the project’s implementation. The issuance of e-Passports is expected to begin within the next eight months, with agreements already signed with relevant companies.
For now, passports continue to be issued under the existing system. However, one million new passports will be imported to meet growing demand, according to the Deputy Minister.
Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala revealed that steps are being taken to implement a 24-hour passport issuance system, which will require the recruitment of 186 new Immigration and Emigration Officers.
To facilitate this, a request has been made to the Department of Examinations to schedule a recruitment exam for graduates. The Minister confirmed that a Gazette notification will be published once the examination date is set.
Additionally, the Ministry has submitted a list to the Public Service Commission for the temporary recruitment of 14 Assistant Controllers, further strengthening the Immigration and Emigration Department ahead of the system’s rollout.
