Sri Lanka is a land of breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and unforgettable adventures. While you’re busy soaking in the beauty of our island paradise with Hopscotch Travels, the last thing you want to think about is an emergency. However, being prepared is the key to a truly stress-free vacation. Knowing the crucial emergency numbers in Sri Lanka and the correct procedures can make all the difference in an unexpected situation. At Hopscotch Travels, your safety is our absolute priority, so we’ve compiled this ultimate guide to help you stay safe and secure throughout your journey.
Quick Reference: Island-Wide Emergency Hotlines
In any critical situation, these are the primary numbers you should dial first. They are toll-free from any mobile or landline across Sri Lanka. Consequently, it’s wise to memorize them or save them to your phone’s contacts before you even pack your bags.
- Police Emergency Hotline: 119
- Ambulance / Medical Emergency: 1990 (Suwa Seriya – A free, government-run ambulance service that is highly responsive)
- Fire and Rescue Service: 110
- National Disaster Management Center: 117 (For events like floods or landslides)
Dedicated Support for Tourists: The Tourist Police
For any issues specifically related to your travel, from lost passports to minor disputes, the Sri Lanka Tourist Police are your dedicated point of contact. When you need a reliable emergency contact number in Sri Lanka tailored for tourists, this is the most important one. Remember, your Hopscotch Travels guide is always there to help, but this unit is a fantastic official resource.
- Tourist Police Hotline: 1912
- Tourist Police Headquarters (Colombo): +94 11 242 1451
Medical Assistance: Hospital Numbers in Key Tourist Areas
While the 1990 ambulance service is the best first call for a medical emergency, you may need to contact a hospital directly. Your Hopscotch Travels representative can always assist with this, but here are the contact details for reputable private hospitals in popular tourist hubs across the island.
| Hospital Name | Contact Number |
|---|---|
| Nawaloka Hospital (Colombo) | +94 11 557 7111 |
| Asiri Medical Hospital (Colombo) | +94 11 236 8999 |
| Durdans Hospital (Colombo) | +94 11 214 0000 |
| Asiri Hospital (Kandy) | +94 814 528 800 |
| Suwasevana Hospital (Kandy) | +94 812 222 404 |
| Co-operative Hospital (Nuwara Eliya) | +94 522 222 487 |
| Asiri Hospital (Galle) | +94 91 203 2000 |
| Asiri Hospital (Matara) | +94 417 501 501 |
| Co-operative Hospital (Matara) | +94 412 222 445 |
| IMC MED Hospital (Hikkaduwa & Mirissa) | +94 77 354 8249 |
| Kanola Hospital (Anuradhapura) | +94 25 203 0400 |
| Suwa Shanthi Hospital (Anuradhapura) | +94 252 223 000 |
| Venus Lanka Hospital (Polonnaruwa) | +94 272 223 205 |
| St. Joseph Hospital (Negombo) | +94 11 784 8484 |
| Nawaloka Medicare (Negombo) | +94 31 777 7777 |
| Ceymed Hospital Services (Trincomalee) | +94 264 595 444 |
Embassy & High Commission Contact Numbers
In case of a serious issue like a lost passport or a legal concern, contacting your country’s embassy or high commission is crucial. Below are the contact details for the diplomatic missions of some of the top visitor nations to Sri Lanka.
- India (High Commission): +94 11 242 2788
- United Kingdom (High Commission): +94 11 539 0639
- United States (Embassy): +94 11 202 8500
- Germany (Embassy): +94 11 258 0431
- Russia (Embassy): +94 11 269 7036
- China (Embassy): +94 11 268 8610
- France (Embassy): +94 11 263 9400
- Australia (High Commission): +94 11 246 3200
What to Do in Common Emergency Scenarios
Knowing who to call is the first step. Here’s a quick guide on what to do in specific situations.
Lost Passport
- Contact your embassy or high commission immediately.
- File a report at the nearest Tourist Police Station.
- Visit the Department of Immigration in Colombo for temporary travel documentation.
Theft or Lost Belongings
- Report the incident to Tourist Police or local police (dial 119).
- Obtain a police report, which is essential for insurance claims.
- Contact your hotel or Hopscotch Travels guide for immediate assistance.
Illness or Medical Emergency
- Dial 1990 for a government ambulance.
- Visit the nearest hospital from the list above.
- Contact your travel insurance provider as soon as possible.
Getting Lost
- Always keep your hotel’s business card with you.
- Use mapping apps on your phone with a local SIM card.
- Call your Hopscotch Travels guide or the Tourism Hotline (1912) for guidance.
Accommodation Issues
- Speak with the hotel manager directly to resolve the issue.
- If unresolved, you can report it to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) or, if you’ve booked with us, contact Hopscotch Travels immediately for support.
Final Tips for a Safe Trip with Hopscotch Travels
- Save these Numbers: Before you even land, save the main Sri Lanka emergency number (119 for Police, 1990 for Ambulance) and the Tourist Police (1912) to your phone. Furthermore, add the number for your embassy.
- Stay Connected: Ensure your phone is active with a local SIM card or international roaming. This ensures you can make calls in an emergency without delay.
- Share Your Itinerary: When you travel with Hopscotch Travels, we always have your detailed itinerary. In addition, it’s a great idea to share it with family or friends back home.
- Trust Your Hopscotch Travels Guide: Our experienced driver-guides are not just experts on Sri Lankan culture and history; they are also your first line of support on the ground. If you feel unsafe or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to speak with them immediately.
Your dream Sri Lankan holiday should be filled with joy and discovery, not worry. By keeping this comprehensive list of emergency numbers in Sri Lanka handy, you can travel with the ultimate confidence, knowing that you and Hopscotch Travels are prepared for anything.
Ready to explore the wonders of Sri Lanka with complete peace of mind? Contact Hopscotch Travels today to plan your personalized and secure journey through paradise!