Special identity papers for those without NICs

The Department of Registration of Persons and the Election Commission will issue special documents with details of identification to be produced at the time of voting by those who have been unable to obtain their national identity cards (NICs) because of the current delay in the process, an official said yesterday.

Commissioner General P. Viyani Gunatilake told he Daily Mirror his office had been unable to issue NICs in time for some applicants because of the heavy workload and therefore special documents with details of identification along with their colour photos would be issued on paper containing security features.

He said 250,000 to 300,000 such identity documents would be issued to the affected applicants.

“We have a backlog of applications. We had to prioritise the issuance of NICs in view of the GCE Ordinary Level Examination. As such this emergency arrangement has been made with the Election Commission to applicants who have been unable to obtain their NICs on time,” Mr. Gunathilake said.

An EC official said these identity documents would be accepted at the polling stations.

He said such documents would be delivered through district-level election authorities and Grama Seva Niladharis by November 13. (Kelum Bandara)