FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – Sri Lanka is set to implement new regulations requiring the re-registration of SIM cards issued prior to August 2, 2019, as announced by Minister Nalinda Jayatissa. “The information of some subscribers registered before August 2, 2019, is not currently held by telephone operator companies, which has caused issues in certain legal investigations,” Jayatissa explained to reporters.

The forthcoming regulations will also include new provisions for registering subscribers aged 16 and 17, as well as the issuance of SIM cards to foreigners visiting the country.

According to the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act No. 25 of 1991, the existing Subscriber SIM Card (Subscriber Identity Module – SIM) Registration Regulations No. 01 of 2019, which were published on August 2, 2019, apply only to SIM cards issued after that date, Jayatissa noted.

The cabinet of ministers has approved a proposal aimed at amending the current regulations to mandate the re-registration of subscriber information for SIM cards obtained before August 2, 2019. This will involve changes to the existing Subscriber SIM Card (Subscriber Identity Module SIM) Registration Regulations No. 01 of 2019.