In accordance with the new method, all citizens will be issued with a new NIC with a new number. According to the new methodology there will be no room to issue two identity cards under a particular number.

Although the Cabinet approval has already been granted to establish the National Register of Persons and to issue an Electronic National Identity Card, with the authority vested in the Department of Registration of Persons by the Registration of Persons Act No 32 of 1968, the process has been delayed due to various technical reasons.

The proposal made by Hon. S.B. Navinna, Minister of Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development and Cultural Affairs, to plan and implement the relevant project with regard to the issue of an Electronic National Identity Card for all citizens who are eligible to obtain a National Identity Card, within a period of two years, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.