New biometric ID for fisher folk

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Development has decided to introduce a new ID card for fishermen. Secretary to the ministry K. D. S. Ruwanchandra said that according to this decision made at the progress review meeting of the Department of Fisheries that thumbprints of the fishermen will also be obtained for the new ID. This decision has been taken in order to ensure national security and to carry out the drug eradication programme in a successful manner. During the preliminary stage, the ID is due to be issued to 5000 multi-day fishing vessels and 30,000 fishermen. Ruwanchandra added that the programme is due to be conducted within the next few months.