Sri Lanka Halts Controversial E-Passport Tender Process

The Sri Lankan government has decided to cancel the procurement process for the controversial e-passport project with immediate effect. This decision was communicated to relevant bidders on May 29, 2026, via email by the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, as stated by Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Ajith P. Perera. Reports indicate that the Cabinet of Ministers directed the immediate cancellation of the tender. The project involved a contract for an estimated 3.15 million biometric e-passports, which had been recommended for award to a joint venture of 'Thales DIS Finland Oy/Just in Time (JIT)'.