The Department of Immigration and Emigration says that 9,158 applications have been received within the first 10 days , after the start of accepting passport applications online.
This programme started on June 15 under the patronage of the Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles.
Applicants who submit their applications through the online system have the option of giving their fingerprints at the sub-offices of the Department of Registration of Persons attached to 51 Divisional Secretariats across the island.
After submitting the application through the online system, the passport will be delivered to the applicant by courier within three days and it is possible to receive it within five days. Although this programme has been implemented those who wish could visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Battaramulla and submit their applications in person to obtain their passports.
The primary objective of this programme has been to reduce the big rush in obtaining passports and to provide a more people-friendly service to the people.