A fundamental rights petition has been filed before the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, requesting a ruling to nullify the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Government of Sri Lanka and India for implementing the digital National Identity Card (NIC) project for Sri Lankan citizens.
The petition was submitted by social activist Amani Rishard Hamid. The respondents named in the petition include the President in his capacity as Minister of Digital Economy, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, and 27 other individuals, including Cabinet members.
According to the petition, two Cabinet decisions related to this matter were made on January 27 and June 2, without informing the public or Parliament.
It further states that through this MoU, India would gain access to biometric data and personal information of Sri Lankan citizens, thereby enabling interference in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs.
Stating that this would provide an opportunity for a foreign state to interfere in Sri Lanka’s sovereignty, national economy, national security and independence, the petition also points out that this constitutes a violation of fundamental human rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
Accordingly, the petition has requested the court to issue an order to invalidate the MoU with India and the relevant Cabinet decisions, and prevent the implementation of this digital NIC project. (Islandnews)
