The Department of Immigration and Emigration (DIE) of Sri Lanka has informed that as a part of ongoing effort to strengthen the integrity of the passport issuance process, the Department of Immigration and Emigration (DIE) has successfully introduced the mandatory collection of biometrics (fingerprint and digital face image) from passport applicants and Automated Fingerprint Identification (AFIS) checks on 15^th August 2015. The system was initially introduced for applicants applying for passports in Sri Lanka. At present, biometric data are not captured when applications are submitted through Sri Lanka Oversea Missions which has been identified as an area which could be a concern to the integrity of the passport issuance process. With the implementation of Phase II of the project, the Department has now decided to extend the system for applicants applying for passports via Sri Lanka Missions Overseas with effect from 01^st November, 2017. 

As per this decision, any individual applying for a Sri Lanka passport at Sri Lanka Missions Overseas on or after 01^st November, 2017 will be required to provide biometric data (fingerprint and digital face image) to the Department upon their first entry to Sri Lanka. Necessary facilities will be made available at the Department Head Office / Regional Branches to complete the process in an expedient manner to minimize inconvenience to applicants. Detailed procedures are currently being developed and will be communicated to Sri Lanka Mission abroad through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in due course. 

Sri Lanka High Commission

Ottawa

01^st August 2017