Cabinet approves changes to SIM card registration regulations

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama

The Cabinet has approved amendments to the existing regulations governing the registration of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards, including provisions for the re-registration of subscriber details for SIM cards obtained prior to August 2, 2019.  

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa stated in the weekly Cabinet briefing that the Subscriber SIM Card Registration Regulations No. 01 of 2019 were published on August 2, 2019, under the provisions of the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act No. 25 of 1991. These regulations apply only to SIM cards issued after that date. As a result, telecommunications service providers do not possess complete subscriber information for some SIM cards issued before August 2, 2019, creating difficulties in certain legal and criminal investigations.  

The Minister said the authorities have also identified the need to update the existing regulatory framework to meet current requirements. The proposed amendments include new provisions for the registration of subscribers aged 16 to 17 years, as well as for the issuance of SIM cards to foreign nationals visiting Sri Lanka.  

Accordingly, a proposal submitted by the President, in his capacity as Minister of Digital Economy, to introduce new regulations enabling the re-registration of subscriber information for SIM cards obtained before August 2, 2019, and to amend the Subscriber SIM Card Registration Regulations No. 01 of 2019 where necessary, has received Cabinet approval.  

The amendments are expected to strengthen regulatory oversight, improve the accuracy of subscriber data, and support law enforcement and national security efforts, while aligning SIM card registration processes with present-day needs.