Line of Business Electronic Services Offered to Government Institutions
In the fast-paced landscape of evolving technology, governments worldwide are increasingly embracing digital transformation to provide more efficient and citizen-centric services. Sri Lanka, with its relatively high ICT literacy rate and significant internet penetration, recognized the need to enhance its e-services to meet the anticipated demand for online government services.
The objective was clear: introduce a suite of digital services, collaboratively provided by government organizations, to improve citizens' access more effectively and efficiently.
Online electronic services offer various advantages, including convenience, accessibility, speed, cost savings, and a broader range of choices compared to traditional in-person services. Recognizing these benefits, Sri Lanka's Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) took the initiative to implement Line of Business (LOB) Digital Services in collaboration with various government departments.
These digital services aimed to bring government services closer to citizens, offering solutions to specific needs:
• Colombo Municipal Council (CMC): Facilitating online payments of property tax.
• Department of Police: Simplifying the process of obtaining Police Clearance Certificates.
• Central Cultural Fund: Offering online services.
• Employee Trust Fund Board (ETF): Providing member verification services.
• Department of Wildlife Conservation: Streamlining the process of booking bungalows.
• Department of Commerce: Facilitating the issuance of certificates of origin for insurance purposes.
• Department of Import and Export Control: Implementing a License issuance system.
• University Grants Commission: Developing an emergency safety mobile application.
• Department of Motor Traffic (DMT): Validating drivers’ license information.
• Department of Examinations: Providing access to Exam Results.
• Marine Environment Protection Authority: Offering online services.
• Department of Forests: Simplifying the process of booking bungalows.
• Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs: Providing LIFe Location Code information.
• Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka: Enabling the monitoring of reservoir storage and reservation of circuit bungalows.
Additionally, in 2017, ICTA introduced an electronic Document Attesting System (eDAS) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), aiming to expedite the attestation and certification of citizens' certificates. This system, operating on the Government Cloud infrastructure, offers a quick turnaround time of five to fifteen minutes. Citizens can book appointments through their mobile phones, enhancing user experience.
The outcomes of these initiatives were significant:
• Availability of online government services through internet and mobile platforms.
• Comprehensive government payment services utilizing internet payment gateways and mobile payments.
• Continuous support and maintenance of newly introduced digital services.
• Aspiration for elevated living standards for citizens.
• A desire for content and satisfied population.
• Striving for increased efficiency and productivity within the government.
• A goal to reduce transactional corruption through the accessibility of electronic data.
The introduction of the Document Attesting System (eDAS) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) was a transformative step. It replaced a manual process, reducing the time needed for document attestation from two days to just 15 minutes. This modern infrastructure ensures document safety, traceability, good governance, and transparency, reflecting Sri Lanka's commitment to leveraging technology for the benefit of its citizens.