Sri Lanka Police state strengthened provisions under the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act allow victims to take legal action against repeated harassing calls, messages, and the unauthorized publication of telephone numbers.
Police Inspector Dilan Kumara of the Computer Crimes Investigation Unit, Criminal Investigation Department, explained that under Section 32 of the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act No. 25 of 1992, as amended by Act No. 39 of 2024, any person who, without reasonable cause, continuously makes calls or sends messages with the intention of causing annoyance or harassment, or publishes other subscribers’ numbers without consent, commits an offence.
He noted that offenders are liable to fines of up to Rs. 100,000, and in default of payment, imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months.
Inspector Kumara further highlighted that the law empowers authorities to disconnect the telephone connection through which such calls are made.
According to Inspector Kumara, the provisions apply not only to persistent calls and messages but also to cases where individuals’ numbers are shared on social media or other platforms without permission, often accompanied by false claims that cause distress.
He stressed that victims of such harassment can seek legal redress under the amended Act.
