The government this week approved the proposal by President Maithripala Sirisena to have active SIM cards registered properly to prevent and control various crimes and frauds committed using mobile phones, and for public security.

Accordingly, the proposal by President Sirisena to issue an order under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act No 25 of 1991 to have the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (TRC) implement the process was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.

There are a large number of active SIM cards in operation, issued by various mobile phone service providers without obtaining documents on correct identity of their owners.

The TRC has already requested service providers to register SIM cards with a duly filled application form and a photocopy of the National Identity Card of the owner.