The Hong Kong government on Monday gazetted and immediately implemented revised implementation rules under Article 43 of the National Security Law, empowering police to compel suspects to provide passwords for electronic devices and introducing new penalties and enforcement powers.

The Amendment Rules, effective today, state that police officers may require specified individuals under national security investigation to hand over passwords or decryption methods for electronic devices.

Failure to comply is now a criminal offense, punishable by a fine of up to HK$100,000 and one year in prison.

The amendments also clarify penalties for non-compliance with court orders to surrender travel documents, unauthorized departure from Hong Kong while under investigation for suspected national security offences, or breaching conditions attached to returned documents or approved travel.

Police, with approval from the Secretary for Security, can now order the removal of electronic messages deemed likely to constitute or incite national security crimes.

The Commissioner of Police may direct message publishers, platform operators, hosting services or network providers to remove or restrict such content within a specified time.

Customs officers gain authority to seize items reasonably suspected of carrying seditious intent during duties at designated locations, and the Commissioner of Customs can apply to a magistrate for forfeiture.

Government spokespeople explained that the changes draw from years of case-handling experience to refine enforcement tools, clarify procedures and strengthen agencies’ capabilities amid complex and unpredictable geopolitical risks.

They stressed the need for constant vigilance to fulfill constitutional duties in safeguarding national security. Officials insisted the revisions fully comply with the Basic Law, including human rights provisions, and the National Security Law itself, without affecting ordinary citizens’ daily lives or the normal operations of organizations.

Representatives from the Security Bureau and Department of Justice will brief lawmakers at a joint meeting of the Legislative Council’s Panel on Administration of Justice and Legal Services and Panel on Security tomorrow. (The Standard)

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A Police Sergeant has been interdicted after allegedly accepting Rs. 10,000 from a drug trafficker to smuggle two mobile phones into Kalutara Prison by concealing them in the rectum of an associate of the trafficker, according to the Panadura Police Division.

The interdicted officer was attached to the Pinwatte Police Station as a court duties Sergeant. 

Investigations revealed that the phones were intended for the associate of drug lord “Dubai Gayan,” currently serving a sentence at Kalutara Prison. 

The Sergeant had reportedly coordinated with one of Gayan’s close associates from Wadduwa, who introduced him to a suspect carrying heroin. 

False entries were made in Police records to present the suspect before the Panadura Magistrate’s Court under case number 52320.

Upon receiving information, the Pinwatte Police OIC ordered a search of the suspect, during which the two mobile phones were carefully recovered.

During questioning, the suspect admitted he had been paid Rs. 5,000 per phone, totalling Rs. 10,000, to smuggle them into prison.

The suspect, a resident of Modaravila, Panadura, is reportedly heavily addicted to narcotics. 

Investigations further revealed that the Sergeant had accepted the bribe from the Wadduwa associate.

Senior police officials noted that the Sergeant had previously faced corruption allegations while serving at the Kalutara South Police. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Police has urged the public to remain vigilant about the misuse of lost or stolen mobile phones, warning that such devices are often exploited for unlawful activities. 

According to the Police, complaints relating to the loss, misplacement, and theft of mobile phones are reported daily to police stations across the island. In particular, when a mobile phone is lost, misplaced, or stolen, there is a significant risk of misuse if the device falls into the hands of unauthorized individuals. 

The Police warned that the public must remain vigilant regarding such potential misuse and take immediate precautionary measures. It has been observed that lost or stolen mobile phones are frequently used for anti-social, unlawful, and illicit activities. In such instances, the legitimate owners of the devices often become victims. 

Based on complaints received to date, it is evident that criminals are able to exploit mobile phones containing sensitive data, including financial details, personal information, photographs, and other confidential material to achieve their unlawful objectives, the Police further said.

There are several important steps that should be followed if a mobile phone is lost or stolen:

• Immediately deactivate the SIM card. 

SIM deactivation can be carried out through the respective service provider from whom the SIM card was obtained. This action prevents third parties from using the phone for illegal or anti-social activities. Deactivating the SIM card also facilitates the recovery process if the device is in another person’s possession. 

• Provide the IMEI number when lodging a complaint. 

When reporting a lost or stolen mobile phone to the Sri Lanka Police, it is D/Media/Out/ 263 /2025 12.02.2026 Hrs 1525 essential to include the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. 

• Keep a record of the IMEI number and service details. 

It is the responsibility of mobile phone users to securely retain their device’s IMEI number and related service information before any loss or theft. The IMEI number can be obtained by dialling *#06# on the mobile phone. 

Furthermore, the Sri Lanka Police has introduced a software-based system to trace mobile phones. Individuals may register their details by visiting the official website: ineed.police.lk. Upon submission of the relevant information, the Sri Lanka Police will promptly initiate appropriate action. 

In 2024, the Sri Lanka Police successfully 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, 2,355 lost mobile phones were recovered, and 1,019 individuals in possession of stolen phones were apprehended, with legal proceedings initiated accordingly. 

Moreover, if a person finds property that does not belong to them, they should 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 Sri Lanka Penal Code, identified as criminal misappropriation. This offence may result in imprisonment of up to two (02) years. Therefore, unlawfully keeping another person’s property in one’s possession is punishable by law. Furthermore, any individual who knowingly purchases stolen mobile phones or other stolen property at a reduced price and retains such items commits an offence and may face imprisonment of up to three (03) years. 

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

Accordingly, the Sri Lanka Police advises the public to exercise due diligence regarding the source and authenticity of mobile phones prior to purchase. (Newswire)

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An individual has been arrested with a stock of gold items and electronic equipment illegally brought into the country, based on Army intelligence.

Airport Police apprehended the suspect, a resident of Wellampitiya, who arrived from Dubai on 30 December 2025.

He was found to be carrying gold, mobile phones, and computer equipment without paying customs duties. 

The suspect has been handed over to Customs for further investigations. (Newswire)

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The public has been warned of a group of persons robbing mobile phones from people asleep in buses. 

Video footage has emerged of two men robbing a phone from inside the bag of a fellow passenger, who was asleep. (Newswire)

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The BAR Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has raised concerns over the death of an individual at the Angunukolapelessa Prison recently.

Issuing a statement, BASL said the suspect had been remanded on contempt of court charges following an incident at the Embilipitiya Court, where he had presented himself as a surety for a friend.

Expressing concern over the suspect’s demise within less than 48 hours of being remanded, BASL pointed out that the postmortem examination reveals injuries to the head, which raises questions about his treatment while under Police and Prison custody.

As such, BASL has called for an immediate, impartial, and independent investigation into the circumstances of this death that took place in custody and accountability for all those whose actions or omissions contributed to this miscarriage of justice.

BASL has further called for a systematic review of the exercise of contempt powers and remand procedures to ensure they are applied consistently with constitutional guarantees, human rights standards, and the basic tenets of fairness. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka film directors have called for a ban on mobile phones at movie theatres, following the recent incident of an illegal recording and uploading of a movie on social media. 

Addressing the media, teledrama and film director Jayantha Chandrasiri said mobile phones must be banned from cinemas to protect the hard work of movie producers and their income. 

Stating that cinema owners must take measures in this regard, he added that the Sri Lanka Film Corporation must also issue an official directive in this regard.

Jayantha Chandrasiri further pointed out that the public is not allowed to take cameras or mobile phones to stage plays overseas, which must be implemented in Sri Lanka, including at theatres. 

He made the comments referring to the recent illegal recording and uploading of the film ‘ Sinhabahu’ on social media.

A 24-year-old man from Kandy was arrested in connection to illegally recording and uploading the film, directed by the President of the Film Directors Guild of Sri Lanka Somaratne Dissanayake, on YouTube. (Newswire)

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The Thalangama Police have arrested two individuals involved in the robbery of smartphones used at fuel stations to scan QR codes. 

The Police stated that the suspects are aged 24 and 25 years old and are residents of Homagama and Pannipitiya.

The suspects had been arrested following a complaint filed by a fuel station in Battaramulla from which they had stolen a mobile phone used to scan fuel QR codes.

The suspects are reported to have used a motorcycle to carry out the robbery. They have carried out similar robberies in 08 areas, including Maharagama, Piliyandala, Kottawa, and Rajagiriya. 

The Police stated the suspects had robbed 12 mobile phones from 12 fuel stations in various areas. 

Investigations have revealed that the suspects are addicted to drugs and had used different motorcycles to carry out the robberies. 

CCTV footage of a fuel station has revealed the robbery carried out by the suspects. (NewsWire)

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