Temporary IDs recognized for GE - Elections Commissioner

Irangika Range

Elections Commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake yesterday announced that the temporary identity cards issued in lieu of the National Identity Cards will be recognized as valid for voters to cast their ballot at the upcoming General Election.

The Elections Commissioner says voters need to produce a form of identification such as valid passport,valid driving license, Government pensioner’s identity card, elders identity card, identity card issued to the member of clergy by the Department of Registration of Persons, temporary identity cards issued for the Presidential election by the Elections Department and the Registration of Persons Department for voting.

He said that temporary identity cards are now being issued by the Elections Department for the upcoming General Election. No other document will be accepted to establish one’s identity at polling stations.

“If any voter is not in possession of any of the approved identity documents and the identity card which they possess is illegible or defaced, they should immediately apply for temporary identity cards issued by the Elections Department.

He further said that temporary identity cards issued for the Eastern Province Provincial Council and Local Authority Elections held in 2003 will not be valid for this purpose.

The Elections Department will issue temporary identity cards till March 30 and persons who wish to apply for them should meet their Grama Niladhari or the Superintendent of the Estate immediately with two copies of their coloured or black and white photograph of the size 1” 1 1/4”. No fee will be charged for issuing temporary identity cards.