Harassing calls and messages now punishable under law: Police

Colombo, April 29 (Daily Mirror) - As incidents of digital harassment and misuse of personal contact details continue to rise, Police have reiterated the legal safeguards available to protect the public.

Police said individuals who are subjected to repeated harassment through phone calls or messages now have clear legal grounds to take action under Sri Lankan law, following strengthened provisions introduced in recent amendments to the telecommunications legislation.

According to Dilan Kumara, Attorney-at-Law and Officer-in-Charge of the Case Operations Unit at the Computer Crime Investigation Division, such offenses fall under Section 32 of the Sri Lanka Telecommunications (Amendment) Act No. 39 of 2024, which amended the original telecommunications law to better address modern forms of harassment.

"The law clearly states that any person who, without reasonable cause and with the intention of causing distress, harassment, or unnecessary confusion, repeatedly makes phone calls or sends messages commits an offense. This provision directly targets persistent and unwanted communication, which has become increasingly common with the widespread use of mobile devices," the OIC said.

In addition to repeated calls and messages, the law also addresses the growing issue of unauthorized sharing of personal contact details. Publishing or distributing another person’s telephone number without their consent, often seen in cases where individuals’ numbers are shared on social media alongside misleading or harmful claims, is considered an offense under the same section.

Those found guilty under these provisions may face a fine not exceeding Rs. 100,000. If the fine is not paid, the offender can be sentenced to imprisonment for a period of up to six months.

Authorities are also empowered to take further action, including the disconnection of the telephone line used to carry out the offense.

Police said that these provisions provide an important legal safeguard for victims of harassment and misuse of personal information.

Accordingly, complaints can be lodged with the Criminal Investigation Department or the nearest police station, enabling affected individuals to seek legal redress under the law.