TRCSL to tighten SIM card regulations amid rise in misuse

Saturday, 12 September 2026 00:12 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Fresh rules likely to take effect by year-end, DG Herath says
Full customer identification programme targeted for rollout in 2027

The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) has reported an increase in illegal activities committed using mobile phone SIM cards obtained through informal methods, prompting a revision of the regulations governing SIM card issuance.

TRCSL Director General Bandula Herath said the TRCSL has updated the regulations governing the issuance of SIM cards following a request from law enforcement agencies, including the police, which reported a significant increase in illegal activities involving SIM cards over the past two to three years and called for action to address the issue.

Under the revised regulations, individuals purchasing new SIM cards will be required to undergo enhanced identification procedures, including the submission of a live photograph, once the new requirements come into effect, most likely by the end of this year, Herath said.

Once this system is introduced, TRCSL hopes to implement a program in 2027 to ensure 100% customer identification for all mobile phone and SIM card users. This will be implemented in a manner that does not cause inconvenience to the general public or foreign nationals, Herath said.

The primary objective is to minimise the use of SIM cards for illegal activities in the country, he noted.

Nearly 30 million SIM cards are currently in use in the country. One of the concerns raised by users is the quality of service. At present, TRCSL operates based on the data available from the respective service providers. However, it does not yet have a system in place to independently monitor and verify the information with greater accuracy, Herath added.