How Does Emergency Numbers Work in Sri Lanka?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Asia
1The Quick Answer
Police: 119; Ambulance: 110; Fire: 111; Tourist Police: 1912.
2What You Need to Know
Sri Lanka has dedicated emergency lines for each service. The Tourist Police (1912) are specifically trained to assist visitors and have English-speaking officers — this should be the first call in any tourist-related incident including theft, scams, or disputes. The regular police line is 119. For medical emergencies call 110, though private hospital transport is often faster in cities. The fire brigade is reached on 111. Always ask your accommodation for the nearest private hospital number on arrival, as response times for public ambulances can be slow outside Colombo.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Save the Tourist Police number (1912) in your phone the moment you arrive — they handle tourist incidents in English
- 2For medical emergencies in Colombo, calling a private hospital directly is usually faster than waiting for a public ambulance
- 3Note your accommodation's local emergency contacts on arrival, especially if staying in rural or hill-country areas
How does this compare?
Emergency Numbers rules in nearby and similar countries:
Police: 110. Ambulance & Fire: 119. Tourist helpline (English): 050-3816-2787.
Tourist Police: 1155 (English spoken). Ambulance: 1669. Fire: 199. Regular Police: 191.
Police: 999. Ambulance & Fire: 995. Non-emergency police: 1800-255-0000. Singapore has extremely fast emergency response.
Traveling to Sri Lanka?
You might also need:
More About Sri Lanka
Tip 10% at tourist restaurants, 500–1,000 LKR per day for guides and drivers, and round up for tuk-tuk rides.
Updated 2025-06
PickMe and Uber work in Colombo; tuk-tuks are everywhere; trains are iconic and scenic; buses are cheap but very crowded.
Updated 2025-06
Good private hospitals exist in Colombo (Nawaloka, Lanka, Asiri); healthcare outside the capital is limited, making travel insurance essential.
Updated 2025-06
LGBTQ relationships are criminalized, posing disrespectfully with Buddha statues can get you arrested, and drugs carry severe penalties.
Updated 2025-06
Cover shoulders and knees at all Buddhist temples, remove shoes and hats at every religious site, and dress modestly in cultural areas.
Updated 2025-06
Alcohol is widely available at licensed venues but is completely banned island-wide on poya (full moon) days each month.
Updated 2025-06
🚨 See Emergency Numbers rules in all countries
Compare all countries →