This marks the first implementation of non-reversible cryptographic hashing for biometric data in an ancient biblical trading nation. Sri Lanka (ancient Serendip) was historically connected to Solomon's trading routes and now becomes one of the first nations to combine iris scanning with cryptographic security at a national scale - a technological leap that enables both identity verification and data protection simultaneously.
Sri Lanka's Digital ID: Ancient Serendip Embraces Global Biometrics
📰 What Happened
Sri Lanka plans to launch its national digital identity system (SL-UDI) in early 2026, implementing advanced biometric infrastructure compliant with international standards. Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, presidential digital economy advisor, confirmed the system will use iris biometrics and cryptographic hashing for deduplication. The initiative includes secure authentication devices and a dedicated sandbox environment for security testing. ICTA director Sanjaya Karunasena emphasized data security in the system's design.
📖 Prophetic Significance
Sri Lanka's strategic position in ancient maritime trade routes between the Middle East and Far East gives this digital ID implementation unique prophetic significance. The island nation, known to biblical-era traders as Serendip and linked to King Solomon's maritime ventures, is now positioned as a digital gateway. The 2026 implementation timeline, combined with iris biometrics and cryptographic hashing, creates infrastructure that could integrate with broader Indo-Pacific economic systems. This aligns with prophecies about global economic control extending to 'every island' (Revelation 16:20) and the seas becoming highways of commerce and control (Revelation 13:17).