COLOMBO, March 23 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan police said on Sunday that they have digitized the fingerprints of 1 million individuals convicted by courts.

Ruwan Kumara, director of the Crime Record Division, told the media that the initiative, launched in collaboration with the University of Colombo's Computer Department and the police fingerprint unit, is expected to significantly support criminal investigations.

The digitization project, which began in 2013, gives police officers instant access to fingerprint records for investigative purposes.

Kumara added that the system will enhance the ability of law enforcement to locate and repatriate wanted fugitives living overseas.

By sharing digitized fingerprint data with foreign law enforcement agencies, Sri Lankan police can improve cross-border cooperation in tracking down criminals, he said.