Cyclone Ditwah, which struck Sri Lanka in November 2025, affected around 2.2 million people, causing widespread destruction, displacement, and loss of life. Beyond the immediate humanitarian impact, many families also lost critical identity documents such as birth certificates and marriage records, leaving them unable to access relief, prove ownership, or receive essential public services.
To address this urgent gap, mobile civil registration clinics were rapidly deployed across affected districts, including schools, temples, and community centres. Using the Registrar General Department’s electronic system, officials were able to issue replacement documents on the spot, significantly reducing administrative delays and restoring legal identity for affected citizens. So far, more than 3,600 people have regained access to vital documents through this emergency digital response.
This initiative was enabled through the UN Joint Programme “OneRegistry,” which supports the digitisation of Sri Lanka’s civil registration system. Implemented by UNDP and WHO with coordination from the Resident Coordinator’s Office and support from multiple international partners, the programme provided essential digital infrastructure such as laptops, printers, and internet connectivity to ensure continuity of services during the disaster response.
Beyond immediate relief, OneRegistry reflects a broader shift toward digital governance in Sri Lanka. It aims to make public services faster, more accessible, and more resilient, including reducing processing times by up to 50% in the future. The programme also strengthens data systems, improves coordination between government agencies, and supports national digital transformation strategies.
The impact of the initiative goes beyond administrative efficiency. For affected communities, restored identity documents mean restored access to banking, education, healthcare, and humanitarian assistance. Officials and UN representatives emphasized that identity documents are not just paperwork but essential proof of existence and rights, especially during crises.
The programme also highlights the importance of inclusive design, with ongoing feedback from communities—particularly women and vulnerable groups—helping shape more accessible and user-friendly systems. This ensures that digital transformation remains grounded in real-world needs and reduces barriers to accessing essential services.
Overall, OneRegistry demonstrates how digital safeguards can strengthen disaster response and recovery. By combining technology, institutional collaboration, and community engagement, Sri Lanka is building a more resilient system where citizens can retain access to their identity and services even in the aftermath of major crises.
