e-passports still not available - tenders re-invited

Under the long-delayed program to introduce electronic passports (e-passports) for Sri Lankans, the Department of Immigration and Emigration has called for tenders for the national "Public Key Infrastructure" (PKI) solution. This tender includes the personalization of passports, i.e., entering personal information into the data page, and connecting the system with the Public Key Directory (PKD) of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The ICAO PKD system is a centralized, secure global data system that facilitates governments, airlines, and airports in verifying the authenticity of electronic travel documents. Connecting to this system allows border officials worldwide to check that the microchip in the passport has not been damaged or altered. Furthermore, PKI is a cryptographic security framework that protects the data embedded in the microchip contained within a modern electronic passport.

The deadline for submitting bids for this new tender, conducted under a single-stage, two-envelope international competitive bidding procedure, has been set for November 2, 2026. The project was first proposed in 2017 as a public-private partnership by the Ministries of Home Affairs and Telecommunications and received Cabinet approval, but since then, unsuccessful tenders and procurement delays have hampered its progress.

Last May, the Cabinet instructed the Department of Immigration and Emigration to immediately suspend the previous procurement process for e-passport personalization and PKI. The Ministry of Public Security had previously recommended awarding the tender for personalizing 3.15 million e-passports over the next two years to Thales DIS Finland Oy/Just in Time (JIT), a French and Sri Lankan joint venture. However, seven out of the eight bidders were rejected, and the Auditor General informed the bidders that the procurement process had been suspended by a Cabinet decision without stating any reason.

Under the latest procurement process, bidders must have over 10 years of experience in e-passport personalization and national PKI/ICAO-PKD solutions. Furthermore, they must have successfully completed or be currently implementing the personalization of more than three million passports under a single contract within the last seven years. In addition, they must have experience as a prime contractor in establishing and actively maintaining a national PKI/ICAO-PKD system within the last three years.

Companies bidding for this tender must hold ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 27001 certifications, have an average annual turnover of at least USD 10 million, and a liquidity of USD 1.8 million. A bank guarantee of LKR 35 million must be submitted as a bid security, and joint ventures with a maximum of three partners can also apply. However, one of these partners must be a company registered in Sri Lanka with a local representation of more than five years. Approximately 3 million passports are expected to be produced under this contract, and the government anticipates introducing e-passports by February next year.