Prove It

“We will issue identity cards for anyone who applies before November 1. The new ID cards will allow colour photos and have new security features,” he said.

The rush is to meet a legal deadline that could skewer election results in the up coming Presidential election.

Sri Lanka’s Parliament certified the Election Special Provisions Act on November 18 last year.

The law comes into force one year from the date of its certification – by November 17, 2005 - and gives the Election Commission powers to decide whether voters must show identification at the point of voting.

This is a security measure to control the numbers of fake votes and the Election Commission can use the provision only if the Commission is c