In a significant move to bolster maritime safety and improve response capabilities during emergencies, the Sri Lanka Coast Guard has officially launched a dedicated 24-hour emergency hotline – 106.
This new initiative enables the public, mariners, and coastal communities to contact the Coast Guard Operations Center directly and report maritime emergencies in real time.
The hotline aims to drastically reduce response times in critical situations such as maritime accidents, illegal fishing, oil spills, and natural disasters. By facilitating direct communication between the public and the Coast Guard, the service is expected to enhance coordination efforts during search and rescue missions, environmental protection operations, and other maritime-related incidents.
A spokesperson for the Sri Lanka Coast Guard stated, “This hotline is a critical step forward in our mission to safeguard lives, protect our maritime environment, and ensure the security of Sri Lanka’s territorial waters. We urge all coastal residents, fishermen, and seafarers to remember and use 106 in any emergency.”
The launch of hotline 106 forms part of the Coast Guard’s broader strategy to improve operational readiness, strengthen disaster response infrastructure, and promote sustainable marine resource management. Authorities encourage the public to report any suspicious or hazardous maritime activities without hesitation.
For emergencies at sea, dial 106 – your direct line to maritime safety.
