Digital ID for senior citizens

The Department of Pensions launched a Digital Identity Card for pensioners in partnership with Sampath Bank to mark Pensioner's Day. The launch took place at the Pensioners' Resort in Wedamulla, Kelaniya recently.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa was the chief guest.

Senior Deputy General Manager, Sampath Bank, Saman Herath presented a replica of the Digital Identity Card to the President.Over 3,000 pensioners were present. Over 600,000 pensioners in the country are expected to benefit in their banking transactions with the Digital Identity Card.

Sampath Bank hopes to issue the Digital Identity Card to senior citizens who reside in diverse parts of the country through its extensive network of branches.

Depending on the need, biometric details of pensioners could also be included in the card which will help pensioners and the Department would also add WNOP details, medical history which can be useful in emergencies.

Sampath Bank will also provide the Department of Pensions 25 computers to further streamline the pension payment.

The computers will be distributed among Government Agents' offices, facilitating direct coordination with the Head Office of the Department of Pensions.

The Letter of Confirmation was presented to Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister W . D. J. Seneviratne.