TRCSL to tighten SIM registration rules

The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) is set to tighten SIM card registration requirements, including the introduction of live photograph verification for new connections, amid concerns over the misuse of mobile connections for illegal activities.

TRCSL Director General Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Bandula Herath said law enforcement authorities, including the Police and the Ministry of Defence, had raised concerns over the increasing use of SIM cards for unlawful activities.

Sri Lanka currently has nearly 30 million active SIM connections, and stronger identification procedures are being introduced for new subscribers, he said.

Under the proposed system, those obtaining new SIM cards will be required to provide a live photograph as part of the registration and identity verification process.

Herath said the measures were primarily aimed at preventing the misuse of SIM cards and would not create difficulties for ordinary subscribers.

He said that under the existing system, a person could obtain up to five SIM cards from a single mobile operator using one National Identity Card. With three mobile operators, the same person could therefore obtain up to 15 SIM cards using a single NIC.

Meanwhile, work is continuing to introduce number portability, which will allow subscribers to change their service provider without changing their existing telephone number, Herath said.

The TRCSL has been working on number portability for several years, including consultations with mobile operators and the establishment of Lanka Number Portability Services (Guarantee) Limited to operate and administer the service.

The service is expected to commence once the required system is installed and necessary network upgrades are completed by operators.

Herath also said the Government planned to expand telecommunications coverage in underserved areas over the next three years through State-supported infrastructure.

Sri Lanka introduced 5G technology in 2025, he added.