Sri Lanka Police has issued guidelines following an increase in complaints over lost, misplaced and stolen mobile phones.

Police urged the public to immediately deactivate the SIM card and provide the IMEI number when lodging a complaint. The IMEI can be obtained by dialling *#06#.

A tracing system is available via the “I Need” portal at ineed.police.lk.

In 2024, Police recovered 2,796 lost phones and released 928 stolen devices after verification. In 2025, 2,355 lost phones were recovered and 1,019 suspects were arrested over stolen devices.

Police noted that retaining or purchasing stolen property is an offence under the Penal Code, punishable by imprisonment.