AroundTrailSri Lanka

Practical info

Emergency numbers in Sri Lanka

Keep these saved before you travel. Short codes (119, 1990, 1912) work nationwide from any phone. Suwa Seriya (1990) is a free government ambulance service covering the entire island.

In a life-threatening emergency, call 119 (police) or 1990 (ambulance) first.

Immediate emergencies

  • Police emergency

    119

  • Ambulance / fire (Suwa Seriya)

    Free 24/7 nationwide pre-hospital ambulance

    1990

  • Fire & rescue

    110

  • Tourist police

    English-speaking, lost property + tourist assistance

    1912

  • Government info center

    1919

Medical

Tourist support

  • Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority

    Colombo head office

    +94-11-2426900

  • Tourist information hotline

    1912

  • Department of Immigration & Emigration

    Visa extensions, Battaramulla

    +94-11-5329000

  • Bandaranaike International Airport

    Flight info

    +94-19-7331033

Other

  • Coast Guard

    Maritime emergencies

    +94-11-2212230

  • Disaster Management Centre

    117

  • Wildlife emergencies

    Department of Wildlife Conservation

    1992

  • Women's helpline

    1938

  • Child helpline

    1929

Embassies in Colombo

Contact your embassy for lost passports, serious accidents, or evacuation assistance.

Numbers compiled from Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Suwa Seriya, and embassy directories. Verify before travel — institutional numbers change. Spot an error? Let us know.