Mandatory Recording of Unique Identification Numbers for Depositors by Licensed Banks

[Logo of Central Bank of Sri Lanka]

MONETARY BOARD CENTRAL BANK OF SRI LANKA

29 August 2022 | BANKING ACT DIRECTIONS | No. 07 of 2022

MANDATORY RECORDING OF THE UNIQUE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS OF DEPOSITORS BY LICENSED BANKS

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka with a view to strengthening the soundness and integrity of the information management process of the licensed commercial banks and licensed specialised banks (hereinafter referred to as licensed banks), hereby issues the following Directions to licensed banks on mandating the recording of Unique Identification Numbers (UINs) of depositors by licensed banks in the respective banking systems.

1. Empowerment

1.1 In terms of Section 46(1) of the Banking Act, in order to ensure the soundness of the banking system, the Monetary Board is empowered to issue Directions to all licensed commercial banks, regarding the manner in which any aspect of the business of such banks is to be conducted.

1.2 In terms of Section 76J(1) of the Banking Act, the Monetary Board is empowered to give Directions to licensed specialised banks or to any category of licensed specialised banks, regarding the manner in which any aspect of the business of such banks is to be conducted.

2. Scope and Applicability

2.1 These Directions shall be applicable to all licensed banks including operations conducted through agents and third-party service providers.

3. Mandatory Recording of UINs of Depositors

3.1 All licensed banks shall mandatorily record the identification number given in Annex I to these Directions as the UIN for each type of depositor.

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4. Implementation

4.1 Licensed banks shall comply with the requirements of these Directions with effect from 01.10.2022 for all new depositors.

4.2 Licensed banks shall complete recording of UINs of the existing depositors in the systems by 31.12.2023.

(Signature) Dr. P Nandalal Weerasinghe Chairman of the Monetary Board and Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka

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Annex I

TABLE 1: UNIQUE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS (UINs) FOR EACH CATEGORY OF DEPOSITORS

Type of Depositor	Type of Identification Number	Remarks
Individuals
Sri Lankan Citizens	National Identity Card (NIC) Number	Licensed banks can accept the driving licence or passport of the customer to open accounts. However, it is compulsory to record the NIC number in the banks’ systems.
Sri Lankan Citizen (residing outside Sri Lanka/PR holders/TR holders) <br> Sri Lankan Dual Citizens (residing in SL), <br> Sri Lankan Dual Citizens (residing outside Sri Lanka)	National Identity Card (NIC) Number	Sri Lankan Passport Number can be used only when NIC has been temporarily surrendered by a depositor.
Non-Sri Lankan Citizens	Foreign Passport Number	Including Foreign Nationals of Sri Lankan origin (residing outside Sri Lanka), Foreign Nationals on temporary visit to Sri Lanka or intending to visit Sri Lanka, Foreign Diplomats.
Minor Depositors	Date of Birth + Birth Certificate Number <br> E.g.: <br> Date of Birth -- 07th January 2005 (2005.01.07) <br> Birth Certificate Number – 0325 <br> UIN – 200501070325	Date of birth followed by the Birth Certificate Number in the same field to create a 12-digit number
Institutions
Companies registered under the Companies Act	Company Registration Number	-
Non-Governmental Organizations	Registration Number issued by the National Secretariat for Non-Governmental Organizations	-
Institutions registered under divisional/local government bodies such as Proprietorships/Partnerships/Joint Ventures, etc.	Business Registration Number	-
All other entities such as clubs, associations, societies, etc.	Registration Number issued by the relevant Authorities	-