Experts are continuing work on the Department for Registration of Persons (DRP) computer system, while finances for the procurement of replacement batteries for the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) system are to be arranged, the Ministry of Digital Economy confirms.
Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Digital Economy Ministry Secretary Waruna Sri Dhanapala said that the department was working to restore the system with the assistance of various technological experts, including personnel from Sri Lanka Telecom.
“We want to fast-track this process. The problem is that the system is old and it is the largest database in the country, therefore, modifications are difficult,” he said.
The Secretary reiterated that both the DRP and the ministry were working to ensure the continuity of the department’s services.
Dhanapala made these remarks when questioned by The Sunday Morning regarding the disruption caused by an unexpected breakdown in the DRP’s computer system on 26 March following a power outage.
The department subsequently suspended all services, including the one-day service for issuing National Identity Cards (NICs), at the Head Office and provincial offices.
While only Head Office operations were directly disrupted, the impact extended to regional branches, as applications submitted there are processed through the main office.
The initial breakdown was reportedly caused by a power outage during which the UPS system failed to respond in time, as its batteries required replacement.
Services at the DRP were restricted once again on 17 April due to another unexpected system failure. Normal operations resumed on 20 April.
The department has expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to the public and other institutions.
Meanwhile, on Friday (24), the DRP warned the public against fraudulent telephone calls and messages being circulated in the name of the department, while urging citizens to verify official communications only through authorised channels.
In a statement, the department said that certain individuals were contacting members of the public using telephone numbers including 115226126, +94115226126, +0115226126, 0771167739, and 0742756098, falsely claiming to represent the DRP.
The department stressed that it did not request personal information, banking details, or financial payments through unofficial telephone calls or private messages.
Authorities also cautioned the public regarding fraudulent mobile applications and digital platforms claiming to provide services linked to NICs or other departmental functions. The department noted that some of these platforms were being promoted as official services despite having no connection to the Government institution.
The statement said that any applications or digital services relating to the department would only be announced through official Government channels.
The department also advised the public to rely solely on its authorised website for accurate information and services.
It further urged members of the public not to disclose personal data or engage in financial transactions in response to suspicious calls, messages, or online platforms.
The DRP stated that complaints regarding such incidents could be reported to the relevant authorities for further investigation.