Sri Lanka is set to introduce stricter SIM card registration requirements, including live photograph verification for new connections, as authorities move to prevent the misuse of mobile connections for illegal activities.
Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) Director General Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Bandula Herath said law enforcement authorities, including the Police and Ministry of Defence, have raised concerns over the increased use of SIM cards for illegal activities in recent years.
Sri Lanka currently has nearly 30 million active SIM connections, and stronger identification procedures are being introduced for new subscribers.
Under the proposed system, individuals obtaining a new SIM card will be required to provide a live photograph as part of the registration and identity verification process.
Mr.Herath said the measures are primarily aimed at preventing the misuse of SIM cards for illegal activities and are not expected to create difficulties for ordinary subscribers.
