The Ministry of Technology stated that approximately 2 million subscriber identity module (SIM) cards are in use without proper identification (ID), posing significant challenges in crime investigation. 

Speaking in the Parliament yesterday (9), State Minister of Technology Kanaka Herath explained that prior to 2018, SIM cards could be obtained without presenting an ID card but that the situation was changed with the implementation of a new law requiring an ID to acquire a SIM card. He made these remarks during the debate on the proposed Telecommunications (Amendment) Bill.

He emphasised the importance of this new Legislation, stating: “The Bill introduces laws to take action against those who produce false information when obtaining SIM cards.”

Herath noted that the (Amendment) Bill aims to enhance the regulatory framework surrounding telecommunications and address the security related concerns associated with unregistered SIM cards. Moreover, he highlighted that the two million SIM cards issued before 2018 without proper ID are still active and that those unregistered SIM cards have created serious issues in tracing certain criminal activities. 

In this context, he noted that the Government is committed to improving the security and traceability of telecommunications services in the country and that the new laws are expected to help the authorities’ better track and investigate criminal incidents, thereby ultimately contributing to public safety.