General

Sri Lanka Police has issued a warning about the increasing number of reports regarding lost, misplaced, and stolen mobile phones at police stations across the country. They cautioned that when a mobile phone goes missing or is stolen, it can be misused if it gets into the wrong hands. The public is advised to stay alert and take quick steps to protect themselves, as lost or stolen phones are often used in illegal activities. In many instances, the original owners end up suffering as victims, according to police reports. Criminals have been known to take advantage of mobile phones that hold sensitive information, such as financial details, personal data, pictures, and other private materials, to commit crimes. The police have provided some key actions to take if someone loses or has their mobile phone stolen. They have also set up a software system to help track lost phones. People can register their information by visiting the official website, http://ineed.police.lk. After submitting the necessary details, the police will take appropriate action, as stated in their announcement. In 2024, Sri Lanka Police managed to recover 2,796 lost mobile phones and returned them to their owners. They also returned 928 stolen mobile phones to the public after confirming the data and took legal action against the wrongdoers. In 2025, around 2,355 lost mobile phones were found, and 1,019 people possessing stolen phones were arrested and faced legal charges. The police further emphasized that anyone who finds lost property should take it immediately to the nearest police station or officer and get a receipt or file an official report.