Government launches 23 trilingual public service application forms online

Colombo, July 2 (Daily Mirror) - The government on Tuesday launched 23 commonly used public service application forms in Sinhala, Tamil and English, marking a significant step towards improving access to public services and advancing digital governance under the 'Clean Sri Lanka' programme.

The trilingual application forms were officially launched at a ceremony held at the 'Nila Medura' auditorium in Colombo, coinciding with the National Official Languages Week observed from July 1 to July 5.

Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara and Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Prof. Chandana Abayaratne jointly launched the forms, which are now available for public access through the Ministry of Public Administration's website, www.moha.gov.lk.

The initiative forms part of the implementation of the 'eForms System' project spearheaded by the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) across Divisional Secretariats.

The newly introduced forms cover a range of public services identified as priorities at Divisional Secretariats, local government institutions and Grama Niladhari offices. These include applications relating to land matters, social services, senior citizen identity cards, elderly and disability allowances, crop damage compensation, and various timber and excavation permits.

The forms were prepared by a special committee of the Home Affairs Division following consultations with Divisional Secretaries, while translations into all three official languages were carried out by the Department of Official Languages.

Officials said the initiative was implemented in line with the country's Official Languages Policy, with the support of the National Languages Division of the Ministry of Justice and National Integration.

The government also plans to issue a special circular to all Divisional Secretariats outlining guidelines for the effective implementation and use of the new application forms.

Several senior government officials attended the launch, including Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration S. Alokabandara, Additional Secretary Omali Wimalarathne, and Additional Secretary (National Integration) of the Ministry of Justice and National Integration V. Madhumathi.