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Beware of risk of misuse of  lost or stolen mobile phones if they fall into wrong hands

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4 weeks ago

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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.


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Cabinet nod to include the National Savings Bank for the Interest-Free Loan Scheme for Students

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6 mins ago

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2026/03/10

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The Interest-Free Loan Scheme is implemented to follow government-recognized degree programs in non-governmental higher education institutions for students who have passed the General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level) Examination and have not been eligible to enter a state university.

At present, the People’s Bank and the Bank of Ceylon are the banks that are granting loans under the aforementioned loan scheme. It has been planned to provide loan facilities  for 7,000 students under stage 10 of the aforementioned loan scheme.

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution furnished by the  Prime Minister in her capacity as the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education to include the National Savings Bank as a bank that grants loans for students under the aforementioned loan scheme, in addition to the People’s Bank and Bank of Ceylon.

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PM holds bilateral meetings in the Philippines to strengthen cooperation in Education, Skills Development, and Agricultural Research

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4 hours ago

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2026/03/10

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Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held a series of meetings with key Philippine institutions during her official visit to the Philippines from 09–11 March 2026, focusing on strengthening cooperation in education, higher education, technical skills development, and agricultural research.

On 09 March, the Prime Minister met with the Secretary of Education of the Philippines, Sonny Angara. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the education sector, including sharing best practices in education policy, teacher training, curriculum reforms, and digital learning initiatives. The Prime Minister also briefed the Philippine delegation on Sri Lanka’s ongoing education reforms aimed at modernizing curricula and integrating technology into learning.

The Prime Minister also met with a delegation of the Commission on Higher Education of the Philippines (CHED), led by Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis. Discussions centered on the development of higher education in both countries, with particular attention to research collaboration, academic partnerships between universities, student and faculty exchanges, and strengthening quality assurance frameworks.

In a separate meeting, the Prime Minister held talks with the Secretary and Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Jose Francisco B. Benitez. The discussions focused on cooperation in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), including knowledge sharing, institutional partnerships, and possible alignment of qualifications frameworks to enhance skills recognition and workforce mobility.

The meetings reaffirmed the commitment of Sri Lanka and the Philippines, along with international research institutions, to strengthen collaboration in education, skills development, and agricultural research in support of sustainable development and human capital growth.

The Sri Lankan delegation included the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Philippines, Dr. Chanaka Talpahewa, and Senior Assistant Secretary to the Prime Minister, Ms. P.H. Piyumee Bandara.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and Monaragala district.

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10 hours ago

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2026/03/10

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Warm Weather Advisory issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. on 09 March 2026, valid for 10 March 2026.

The public are warned that the  Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body.

This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.


Effect of the heat index on the human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.

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