Sri Lanka is facing a looming passport shortage, with current stocks projected to last only until July 2025. The crisis has prompted the government to act swiftly by forming a special committee to propose solutions within two weeks.
The country’s current batch of 750,000 machine-readable passports (MRPs) is running out, with daily issuance capped at around 2,000 to manage demand. If this rate continues, stocks could stretch to September, but efforts to clear the backlog of over 100,000 applications could accelerate depletion.
Legal Disputes Complicate Procurement
A key obstacle is a legal case stemming from a contested tender for ePassports awarded to Thales DIS Finland Oy and its local partner, Just In Time (JIT) Technologies. Epic Lanka, the losing bidder, challenged the process in the Appeal Court, alleging unfair practices.
In response to the injunction, the government procured an emergency stock of MRPs from Thales to address the immediate crisis. However, any further procurement from the same supplier remains uncertain due to the ongoing court case.
Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala acknowledged the challenges, stating that issuing a new tender could create complications, as shifting to another passport series may disrupt international border protocols.
Government Steps In
Given the urgency, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed the Cabinet to prioritize the issue. An independent expert committee is being established to devise a sustainable plan for replenishing passport stocks without interfering with the ongoing legal case.
Despite the emergency measures, officials admit the situation is dire. The Department of Immigration and Emigration (DIE), a defendant in the court case, continues to rely on Epic for personalizing passports while navigating a backlog and increasing public demand.
The Road Ahead
The government hopes to implement a long-term solution while balancing legal and logistical hurdles. Meanwhile, the DIE has advertised a tender for a new passport personalization system to address inefficiencies and prevent future shortages.
With just seven months before stocks are depleted, stakeholders are racing against time to resolve the crisis and avoid further disruption to travel document issuance.
