Online registration a temporary measure

Rasika Somarathna

Defence authorities said yesterday that the online registration available for citizens through the newly launched www.citizens.lk was only a temporary measure, and that it was compulsory for all to visit Police stations located in their area of residence, with relevant documents, to get formally registered with the authorities.

When the Daily News contacted authorities as there was some confusion among the public regarding the implementation of the process, a senior official at the Defence Ministry said that the online registration was launched to help citizens who are unable to approach Police stations immediately due to a variety of reasons. ”Thus they can use the online method as a stop gap measure, before they approach the Police stations for the formal registration,” he added.

However, it is very important for all citizens to get the formal registration done as soon as possible he said.

According to authorities, all citizens who successfully complete the registration process are given a document, authorised by the Officer In Charge of the relevant Police station, which is considered as certified proof. Other forms of census carried out by Grama Niladharis, officials attached to GA or AGA offices and visiting Police officers are not related to the registration carried out by the Defence Ministry.

The authorities yesterday urged the public to render necessary support for the endeavour, adding that identifying residents would go a long way in propagating public safety in these trouble times.

According to authorities all citizens are advised to approach the relevant law enforcement officers in the area of their residence without delay, armed with copies of identification papers, contact details, details of temporary occupants and other relevant details.