TRCSL to Introduce New SIM Registration Rules to Curb Illegal Activities

The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) says it has observed an increase in illegal activities involving SIM cards obtained through irregular means.

TRCSL Director General Bandula Herath said new regulations are being introduced to strengthen the distribution and registration of SIM cards and prevent their misuse.

Speaking at a press conference held yesterday (10) at the Department of Government Information, Herath said the regulations had been revised following requests from law enforcement agencies, including the police, which had reported a significant increase in illegal activities involving SIM cards over the past two to three years.

Under the new regulations, individuals purchasing new SIM cards will be required to register them using a direct photograph of themselves. The new registration procedure is expected to be introduced by the end of this year.

Herath also revealed that a programme aimed at achieving 100% accurate identification of all telephone and SIM card users is expected to be implemented by 2027.

He assured that the programme would be introduced in a manner that minimizes inconvenience to the public as well as foreign nationals.

According to the TRCSL Director General, the primary objective of the new regulations is to prevent SIM cards from being used for illegal activities.

Meanwhile, Herath said approximately 30 million SIM cards are currently in use in Sri Lanka, while the TRCSL continues to receive complaints from the public regarding the quality of telecommunication services.

He explained that surveillance activities are currently carried out using data provided by telecommunications service providers. However, the TRCSL does not yet have a system capable of accurately identifying the individuals using specific SIM cards.