Sri Lanka launches smart card as new identification card

COLOMBO, Oct. 27 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's Registration of Persons Department on Friday launched smart identification cards to replace the existing National ID cards.

According to the department, the new smart card will have a twelve digit number, a photograph and a machine readable barcode.

Information of the card holder including the name, place of birth, address and gender will be printed on the card and the signature of the card holder will also be featured.

The card has been designed to fit international standards.

The department said the old national ID cards thus far used shall not be cancelled with the introduction of the new smart card and the new cards will be issued only to applicants who apply after October 27.