Police yesterday issued a public advisory highlighting the growing number of complaints related to lost, misplaced, and stolen mobile phones reported daily to police stations across the country.The police warned that when a mobile phone is lost or stolen, there is a significant risk of misuse if it falls into the hands of unauthorised individuals.

The public has been urged to remain vigilant and take immediate precautionary measures, as lost or stolen mobile phones are frequently used for anti-social, unlawful, and illicit activities. In many such cases, the legitimate owners of the devices become victims, police said.

According to complaints received to date, criminals have been able to exploit mobile phones containing sensitive data, including financial details, personal information, photographs, and other confidential material, to carry out unlawful activities.

The police outlined several important steps to be followed if a mobile phone is lost or stolen:

Immediately deactivate the SIM card through the relevant service provider. This prevents third parties from using the phone for illegal or anti-social activities and facilitates the recovery process if the device is in another person’s possession.

Provide the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number when lodging a complaint with the Police.

Keep a secure record of the IMEI number and service details in advance. The IMEI number can be obtained by dialing *#06# on the mobile phone.

Police has also introduced a software-based system to trace mobile phones. Individuals can register their details by visiting the official website,http://ineed.police.lk. Upon submission of the required information, the police will initiate appropriate action, the statement said.

In 2024, the Police recovered 2,796 lost mobile phones and returned them to their rightful owners. Additionally, 928 stolen mobile phones were released to the public following accurate data verification, and legal action was instituted against the offenders.

In 2025, approximately 2,355 lost mobile phones were recovered, while 1,019 individuals found in possession of stolen phones were apprehended and legal proceedings initiated against them.

The police further urged anyone who finds property that does not belong to them to immediately hand it over to the nearest police station or a police officer and obtain an acknowledgement receipt or officially lodge a report.

Retaining property that does not belong to oneself constitutes a criminal offence under the Penal Code, classified as criminal misappropriation. This offence carries a penalty of up to two years’ imprisonment, according to police.

Moreover, any individual who knowingly purchases stolen mobile phones or other stolen property at a reduced price and retains such items commits an offence punishable by up to three years’ imprisonment.

The police also advised that when purchasing a new or second-hand mobile phone, members of the public can verify whether the device has been reported lost or stolen through the “Find Genuine Phone” feature available in the “I Need” system.

Accordingly, the Police urged the public to exercise due diligence regarding the source and authenticity of mobile phones prior to purchase.

The Colombo High Court on Thursday (12) postponed further hearing of the case filed against former Minister Johnston Fernando and two others to March 6, 2026.The matter was taken up before High Court Judge Mohamed Mihal.

Fernando, and former Sathosa Operational Director Mohamed Shakir, who are currently in remand custody, in connection with a separate case, were produced before court by prison officials.

Following submissions by counsel, Judge Mihal ordered that the case be taken up again on March 6.

The indictment has been filed by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) against former Trade Minister Johnston Fernando, former Sathosa Chairman Eraj Fernando and former Operational Director Mohamed Shakir.

They are accused of causing a loss to the State by allegedly deploying employees of Lanka Sathosa for political activities during the period 2010 to 2014, when Johnston Fernando held the portfolio of Trade, thereby removing them from their official duties.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) on Thursday warned residents and businesses against engaging in domestic transactions in foreign currency, stating that such practices are illegal unless expressly authorised.In a statement, the CBSL said it had observed instances where residents within Sri Lanka were conducting transactions in foreign currency instead of Sri Lanka Rupees.

Clarifying the legal position, the Central Bank noted that under the provisions of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act, No. 16 of 2023, all transactions executed between or among residents in Sri Lanka must be made in Sri Lankan Rupees, unless otherwise authorised by the Central Bank for the purposes of the Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017.

The Bank further informed merchants and the general public that it has not granted approval for local businesses to accept payments from resident customers in foreign currency by converting Sri Lankan Rupees into foreign exchange. This includes payments made through Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) cards such as credit and debit cards, where funds are credited to Foreign Currency Accounts.

Accordingly, the CBSL cautioned that any resident making payments in foreign currency to a merchant within Sri Lanka, and any merchant accepting such payments without prior authorisation, would be committing an offence under the CBSL Act.

Upon conviction following a summary trial before a Magistrate, offenders would be liable to a fine not exceeding Rs. 25 million, imprisonment of either description for a term of up to three years, or both.The Central Bank urged the public and the business community to strictly comply with the statutory requirements in order to avoid severe legal consequences.

by Shyam Nuwan Ganewatte ✍️