The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) is preparing tighter registration requirements for mobile SIM cards, including live-photograph verification for new connections.
TRCSL Director General Air Vice Marshal Bandula Herath (Retd.) said the changes follow concerns raised by law-enforcement authorities about SIM cards being used in criminal activity while being difficult to trace to the true user.
Under the planned system, people obtaining new SIM cards would have to provide a live photograph as part of identity verification.
TRCSL is also reviewing registration arrangements for groups including minors and foreign visitors.
Not yet a nationwide mandatory rule
The revised rules are still being prepared and are expected to take effect later.
The planned change does not mean that:
- every new SIM currently requires live-photo verification;
- the rule is already compulsory nationwide;
- existing SIM cards have automatically been cancelled;
- users must immediately re-register existing SIMs;
- implementation has already been completed.
The verified development is that TRCSL is preparing the strengthened registration system.
TRCSL has indicated an objective of improving identification of mobile subscribers and SIM users.