Colombo, Sri Lanka – July 30, 2025 — A Fundamental Rights petition has been filed before the Supreme Court seeking an interim order to halt the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Sri Lanka and India regarding the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity (SLUDI) Program.
The petition challenges the government’s decision to move forward with the agreement, which is being funded through a grant from the Government of India. Petitioners argue that the MoU, and the data-sharing implications involved, could compromise the privacy, autonomy, and security of Sri Lankan citizens.
The SLUDI Program aims to create a centralized digital identity system for all Sri Lankan residents, similar in function to India’s Aadhaar system. The initiative includes biometric and demographic data collection, digital authentication mechanisms, and the integration of services through a unified digital platform.
The petitioners claim that the program has been introduced without adequate public consultation or parliamentary scrutiny, and that its implementation could infringe on constitutionally protected fundamental rights, including the right to privacy and protection from arbitrary interference.
They further raised concerns over foreign involvement in the management and technical execution of the system, and called for greater transparency and independent oversight in any digital identity initiative undertaken by the state.
The Supreme Court is expected to consider whether to grant leave to proceed with the petition in the coming weeks. The outcome may significantly influence the future direction of national digital infrastructure and bilateral cooperation in the tech sector.
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