Outsourcing the 2011 Population and Housing Census

The Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) in Sri Lanka partnered with EWIS to modernize the execution of the 2011 Population and Housing Census—the country’s largest national data collection effort—through an end-to-end outsourced solution covering design, printing, and digitization. This pioneering project marked the first time census operations were outsourced by the Sri Lankan Government, setting a new benchmark for efficiency and data accuracy in national statistics.

About our customer

The Department of Census and Statistics is Sri Lanka’s official government body responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating statistical information vital for national policy formulation, planning, and development. With a presence in all 25 districts, DCS ensures comprehensive data coverage nationwide.

Challenges addressed

To efficiently manage the massive scale and complexity of the national census, DCS required a trusted partner who could: 

• Design and print millions of census documents with precision
• Digitize handwritten responses into structured, usable datasets
• Ensure accuracy, speed, and confidentiality throughout the data lifecycle
• Meet the tight timelines of the once-in-a-decade national operation
   

Transformation delivered 

EWIS successfully executed the country’s largest-ever public sector outsourcing initiative, delivering a fully managed, technology-enabled census support system. Key outcomes included: 

• Design and Printing of Census Forms: Delivered with quality assurance and on schedule to support island-wide distribution
• Digitization of Collected Data: Transformed handwritten census data into structured digital formats for faster processing and reporting ∙
• Improved Data Accuracy and Turnaround: Reduced manual errors and drastically cut down processing times
• Scalable Infrastructure and Support: Enabled DCS to meet national demands without straining internal resources
• Secure Handling and Confidentiality: Ensured compliance with government data protection standards 

Setting a new standard

 By outsourcing the 2011 Census operations, the Department of Census and Statistics took a bold step toward operational modernization. The project not only enhanced data quality and delivery timelines but also demonstrated how public-private partnerships can drive efficiency in large-scale national initiatives—laying the groundwork for more agile and tech-enabled future censuses in Sri Lanka.