Registrar General’s Dept. launches “1930” hotline, new call centre, website

Colombo, April 8 (Daily Mirror) - The Registrar General’s Department marked its 161st anniversary with the launch of a dedicated “1930” hotline, a modern call center, and an upgraded official website aimed at improving public service delivery.

The new facilities were unveiled yesterday (07) at the department premises under the patronage of Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, Professor Chandana Abayarathne.

Addressing the event, the Minister highlighted that digitalization is essential to address current challenges and said the initiative supports the government’s broader goal of transforming public services through technology. He noted that amid rising fuel and gas prices, the new system enables citizens to access services from home, reducing the need to travel long distances and wait in queues.

Deputy Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government, Ruwan Senarath, said the Registrar General’s Department plays a crucial role in safeguarding citizens’ legal identity and maintaining the written history of the nation from birth to death.

The newly introduced call center, established with modern technology, is designed to provide efficient and accessible services to the public. The upgraded website will offer information in Sinhala, Tamil, and English, ensuring wider accessibility.

Authorities said that communication gaps between the public and the service have previously led many to rely on intermediaries, resulting in legal complications and document-related issues. The “1930” hotline and the new website aim to eliminate such practices by providing direct, accurate, and transparent information to citizens.

The new services are also expected to assist Sri Lankans living abroad, particularly in areas such as birth registrations, marriages with foreign nationals, and property-related matters.

The project, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is described as a key step in the ongoing technological transformation of Sri Lanka’s public administration.

Secretary to the Ministry S. Alokabandara, Registrar General S. Jhaladeepan, along with senior ministry officials and department heads, were present at the event.