News
Sri Lankan High Commission in Singapore hosts Awareness Session on Upcoming National Biometric Data System
The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Singapore organized an awareness session for its staff to update them on the upcoming introduction of a robust national data system by the Department of Registration of Persons of Sri Lanka. The session was held on 16 August 2024 at the High Commission premises.
Commissioner-General of the Department of Registration of Persons Pradeep Saputhanthri, who was on an official visit to Singapore, conducted the awareness session.
The impending system, based on “biometric data” will introduce a “Unique ID Number” for the public. The discussion centred on the new system’s potential to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and effectiveness of service delivery in various governmental sectors, and its relevance to services provided by the Diplomatic Missions.
The Commissioner-General of Registration of Persons, Pradeep Saputhanthri explained that under Act No. 32 of 1968, the Department is entrusted with establishing and maintaining a “national data system” for the country. This encompasses using the data to authenticate individual identities via official documentation such as issuing national identity cards and delivering services to various governmental entities. He stated that the new system will replace the traditional data collection methods with biometric data such as fingerprints, facial recognition, and retina scans. This transition will enhance the Department’s and the other governmental entities’ ability to provide more comprehensive, efficient, and accurate services. It will also significantly streamline coordination between government institutions, consequently providing convenience to the public. This development is aimed at fostering the digital economy and significant for trade and commerce, including imports and exports.
The event was organised under the direction of the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka Senarath Dissanayake. The High Commissioner thanked the Commissioner-General for conducting this session and expressed hope that the establishment of this updated national data system would enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the services provided by Diplomatic Missions in the future. The staff of the High Commission had the opportunity to seek clarifications and pose queries about the new mechanisms, including the procedures related to document attestation by the Consular Section.
Minister and Head of Chancery of the Mission Ahamed Razee, Minister Counsellor Nanduni Govinnage, Minister (Commerce) Yasantha Yaddehi, and Counsellor (Labour and Welfare) Dhammika Wijerathna, attended the session along with the staff of the High Commission.
Pope Leo XIV appealed for “no more war” in a message to world powers during his first Sunday address at the Vatican.
Reflecting on current conflicts, the newly selected pontiff called for a “lasting peace” in the war in Ukraine, a ceasefire in Gaza, and welcomed Saturday’s agreement to end recent hostilities between India and Pakistan.
He said he was “deeply hurt” by events in Gaza, expressed hope for a “lasting accord” between India and Pakistan, and wished for a “authentic, true and lasting peace” in Ukraine.
The Pope also recited the Regina Caeli prayer, in honour of the Virgin Mary, to the crowd in St Peter’s Square.
Latest News
May this Vesak celebration be a blessed one filled with kindness and compassion towards all living beings – PM
In her Vesak day message, Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya wished that this Vesak celebration be a blessed one filled with kindness and compassion towards all living beings
The full text of the prime ministers vesak day message:
“It is an honor to extend my Vesak day message to all citizens of the nation during this sacred period in which Buddhist community across Sri Lanka come together to pay homage to the Lord Buddha, upholding both material and spiritual offerings and commemorating the threefold sacred events of the Lord Buddha’s life.
Since ancient times, the lives of the Sri Lankan people have been deeply rooted by the teaching of the Lord Buddha and this is a greater inheritance we have received through the Dhamma. In our country, where people of diverse ethnicities and religions coexist in harmony, the collective celebration of a major religious festival such as Vesak stands as a powerful testament to that unity.
This year Vesak day celebration marks the first to be celebrated under the current government, which was established with the vision of “A Prosperous Country, a Beautiful Life.” I believe that this Vesak season is a particularly a time to heal the hearts and minds of humanity, especially as our nation embarks on a path of meaningful transformation. Through this message, I take this opportunity to invite all of citizens to unite in mind and spirit, bound together by mutual respect and compassion.
I join all Sri Lankans in praying that the flames of war burning in various parts of the world at this moment may be extinguished, and that all people across the globe may be blessed with lives of happiness and peace.
May all of you have a blessed Vesak!”
News
Special waste management programme launched under “Clean Sri Lanka” during the State Vesak Festival
Parallel with the State Vesak Festival that commenced on Saturday (10) in the Nuwara Eliya District, a special waste management initiative has been launched under the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme to enhance facilities for devotees and ensure proper waste disposal in the city of Nuwara Eliya.
With hundreds of thousands of people expected to visit Nuwara Eliya during the Vesak Week, from May 10 to 16, this initiative is aimed at preserving the cleanliness and beauty of the area.
The programme will focus particularly on areas around the Gregory Lake, a key tourist attraction, and the Nuwara Eliya International Buddhist Centre, the venue for the State Vesak Festival.
In addition, the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative urges visiting devotees to refrain from bringing non-biodegradable material such as polythene and calls on all citizens to act responsibly by properly disposing of waste only at designated locations, while maintaining the sanctity and cleanliness of the environment.
Pope Leo appeals for no more war in first Sunday address
Hamas to release US-Israeli hostage as part of efforts to reach Gaza ceasefire
May this Vesak celebration be a blessed one filled with kindness and compassion towards all living beings – PM
-
Business6 days agoAitken Spence Travels continues its leadership as the only Travelife-Certified DMC in Sri Lanka
-
Latest News5 days agoNPP win Maharagama Urban Council
-
Business6 days agoLinearSix and InsureMO® expand partnership
-
Business4 days agoJohn Keells Properties and MullenLowe unveil “Minutes Away”
-
Features1 day agoSAITM Graduates Overcome Adversity, Excel Despite Challenges
-
Sports1 day agoASBC Asian U22 and Youth Boxing Championships from Monday
-
News1 day agoDestined to be pope:Brother says Leo XIV always wanted to be a priest
-
Foreign News2 days agoMexico sues Google over ‘Gulf of America’ name change