Proposed digital ID card project prices shown double

It is reported that the prices submitted by Indian companies technically qualified to act as the main system integrator for the proposed digital identity card project in Sri Lanka have more than doubled the grant amount provided by the Indian government to this country. Although a sum of 1050 crore Sri Lankan Rupees has been received as a grant for this project, which is being launched with the support of India, internal sources say that the estimated amounts submitted by the bidders are significantly higher.

Local authorities have also requested a special meeting with Indian authorities to discuss this financial issue that has arisen and to reach a solution.

Five Indian companies have passed the technical evaluation stage to join this digital project, and among them, the lowest bid submitted is as high as 2460 crore Sri Lankan Rupees. Confirming this situation, Deputy Minister of Digital Technology, Mr. Eranga Weeraratne, stated that the prices submitted for the project are significantly higher than the expected level. The Deputy Minister, mentioning that a meeting has been requested from the Indian government to make a final decision on the future course of action for the project, emphasized that the government will accept the most suitable and best proposal, taking into account both technical and commercial aspects.

Meanwhile, Mr. Hans Wijayasuriya, the Chief Advisor to the President of Sri Lanka on the Digital Economy, points out that according to the Memorandum of Understanding signed between India and Sri Lanka for the project, provisions exist to manage such situations. He further stated that if the prices submitted during the tender process exceed the grant amount provided by the Indian government, the relevant agreement provides an opportunity for both parties to discuss and make a decision on the matter.