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Fingerprint attendance system intalled in many govt. bodies but hardly used, says Deputy Minister
View(s):By Ishu Bandara
A fingerprint-based attendance system, is the reason behind at least one of the ongoing strikes in the country.
Although fingerprint machines have been installed in most government institutions to monitor attendance, they are unused in a majority of state offices, including within the health sector.
When the Sunday Times inquired about the matter, Deputy Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni said that using fingerprint machines to track attendance is not unique to a single government sector. However, he noted that many sectors, including the health sector, still largely neglect these systems.
Mr. Wijemuni stressed that a key concern is the large sum of public money spent on a system that is under utilised. He said this is regrettable since the funds belong to the people and added that the system should be used where management finds it necessary.
He further stated that the government recognises the decision to use fingerprint systems lies with the management of each institution, emphasising that the system is a tool to handle leave, attendance, and overtime in an automated and transparent way.
The finger print systems are not meant to oppress the people but rather to improve efficiency.
When the Sunday Times asked why fingerprint machines had become a reason for strikes the Deputy Minister responded that if employees perform their duties properly, they have nothing to fear.
Responding to a question why the system is not implemented in the government sector and made legally mandatory, Mr. Wijemuni said that the implementation of fingerprint systems is o guided by cost-effectiveness. He explained that while an office with 200 employees would benefit from such a system, it may not be practical for smaller rural or peripheral hospitals, or other offices with only three or four staff members.
The Sunday Times learned that in the health sector, while some divisional and district health offices use fingerprint systems, there are instances where nurses in certain hospitals reportedly do not use it, even though other office staff do.
He said it is ultimately a management decision, with some private hospitals requiring nurses to use them while others do not.
He further emphasised, “ there is a recognized general reluctance among people to adopt new things, preferring to remain in their comfort zones. The government’s perspective is that individuals need to adapt to technological advancements over time, as these are global technologies, not unique to Sri Lanka alone.”
Fingerprint attendance systems are widely adopted globally to modernise workplace management. Companies, government offices, and schools in countries like the USA, India, Japan, and the UAE use them to track attendance, leave, and overtime. Many large organisations also combine them with other biometric tools like facial recognition.
The Deputy Minister stated that these machines were installed in institutions even before the current administration. Despite ongoing resistance, the government iss committed to using biometric attendance to ensure accountability and effective operations, he said.
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