The Department of Census and Statistics (DCS), with the intention of improving completeness, quality and timeliness of the data/information gathered in the forthcoming census, is planning to adopt various new and emerging technologies in the entire census process.

The census which is to be carried out in July 2011 will be the 14th scientific census of the country.

The DCS is planning to adopt methodological changes in the census operation where needed. One of the major changes proposed is the change in the method of enumeration to be taken up at the CPH2011.

It is expected to use contemporary data capturing technologies such as Optical Mark Recognition (OMR), Optical Character Recognition (OCR), and Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR) and conduct an eCensus in selected areas parallel to the census field enumeration at the forthcoming census.

It is also expected to use Computer Assisted Coding (CAC) to code occupations and respective industries of individuals based on Sri Lanka Standard Classifications of Occupations (SLSCO-08) and Sri Lanka Standard Industry Classification (SLSIC - Rev 4). Steps will also be taken to use on-line editing technique to edit census data.