The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) has decided to implement the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) registration online system to prevent the proliferation of non-registered IMEI enabled devices. 

The system will be live from 29 January. The public is notified to purchase subscriber identity module (SIM) enabled devices such as mobile phones, tablet computers, dongles, etc., with an IMEI (SIM/electronic SIM), approved by the TRCSL and only from vendors possessing a valid vendor licence issued by the TRCSL. Non-registered SIM enabled devices will not be active in the telecommunication operators’ networks with effect from 29 January. 

Individuals who are importing or hand carrying the SIM-enabled devices need to register with the introduced equipment clearance system subject to the clearance of other relevant Government institutions (the Customs, the Department of Import and Export, the Ministry of Defence, etc.)

To verify the IMEI number, send a short message service to 1909 in the given format – IMEI<space><15 digit IMEI number>.