Sri Lanka, Aug. 21 -- Sri Lanka is preparing to issue its inaugural national digital identity this year, with nationwide rollout scheduled for completion by August 2027, unlocking a strategic digitalization initiative that stalled for over ten years.

Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranda Weliange confirmed during a media briefing in Colombo announcing SLT Mobitel financial results for the first half of 2026 that the delayed project entered its active implementation phase. Authorities established the digital identity framework, aiming to issue the first credentials this year and achieve full implementation by August next year.

Officials held discussions and placed the project on hold since 2012 before unlocking it for current executi...