Hoping you'll never need this information, but having it could be crucial. This comprehensive guide covers all emergency contacts, medical facilities along major travel routes, insurance tips, and practical advice for handling medical situations in Sri Lanka. Save this page offline or screenshot key sections for quick access.
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Emergency Police
119
24/7
Tourist Police
1912
24/7
Ambulance (Suwa Seriya)
1990
24/7
Pro Tip: Screenshot this and set as lock screen wallpaper, or save in Notes app for offline access.
Complete Emergency Contact Directory
Emergency Police
General police emergencies, accidents, crimes
119
24/7
When to Call: Serious emergencies, theft, assault, accidents
Tourist Police
Specialized unit for tourist issues, English speakers available
1912
24/7
When to Call: Tourist-specific problems, scams, harassment, lost passport
Ambulance (Suwa Seriya)
Primary free island-wide medical emergency service
1990
24/7
When to Call: Medical emergencies, serious injuries, critical health issues
Fire & Rescue
Fire emergencies and rescue operations
110
24/7
When to Call: Fire, building collapse, rescue situations
Government Info Center
General information on government services and train schedules
1919
24/7
When to Call: General inquiries, official procedures
Sri Lanka Red Cross
Humanitarian assistance, disaster response
+94 11 269 1095
Office hours, emergency response 24/7
When to Call: Natural disasters, major emergencies
Embassy & Consulate Contacts
Contact your embassy for passport issues, serious legal problems, death of family member, or major emergencies. Most have 24/7 emergency lines for citizens.
United States
Phone
+94 11 249 8500
Emergency Line
+94 11 249 8500
Address
210 Galle Road, Colombo 03
Services
Passport issues, emergency assistance, citizen services
United Kingdom
Phone
+94 11 539 0639
Emergency Line
+94 77 900 0880
Address
389 Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 07
Services
British citizen emergency support, consular assistance
Australia
Phone
+94 11 246 3200
Emergency Line
+94 11 246 3200
Address
21 Gregory's Road, Colombo 07
Services
Australian citizen assistance, passport services
Canada
Phone
+94 11 522 6232
Emergency Line
+1 613 996 8885 (Ottawa)
Address
33A 5th Lane, Colombo 03
Services
Canadian citizen support, consular services
Germany
Phone
+94 11 258 0431
Emergency Line
+94 11 258 0431
Address
40 Alfred House Avenue, Colombo 03
Services
German citizen assistance, visa services
India
Phone
+94 11 242 1604
Emergency Line
+94 77 788 9105
Address
36-38 Galle Road, Colombo 03
Services
Indian citizen support, extensive consular services
Not Listed? Search "your country embassy Sri Lanka" before travel and save contact info. Most embassies have 24/7 emergency hotlines for citizens.
Medical Facilities Along Major Routes
Know where hospitals are located along your travel route. In emergencies, time matters. This section organizes facilities by popular tourist routes.
Colombo Area
Asiri Central Hospital
114 Norris Canal Road, Colombo 10
Contact Information
General:
+94 11 466 5500
Emergency:
+94 11 452 4400
Languages:
English, Sinhala, Tamil
Facility Details
Services:
24/7 emergency, ICU, surgery, international standards
Insurance:
Most international insurance accepted
Taxi Fare:
LKR 500-1,000 from most Colombo locations
Nawaloka Hospital
23 Sri Saugathhodaya Mawatha, Colombo 02
Contact Information
General:
+94 11 554 4444
Emergency:
+94 11 230 5544
Languages:
English, Sinhala, Tamil
Facility Details
Services:
24/7 emergency, multi-specialty, modern facilities
Insurance:
International insurance, direct billing available
Taxi Fare:
LKR 400-900 from central Colombo
Lanka Hospitals
578 Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 05
Contact Information
General:
+94 11 558 9000
Emergency:
+94 11 552 2222
Languages:
English, Sinhala, Tamil
Facility Details
Services:
Premium emergency care, specialist consultants
Insurance:
All major international providers
Taxi Fare:
LKR 600-1,200 from city center
Colombo National Hospital (Government)
Regent Street, Colombo 10
Contact Information
General:
+94 11 269 1111
Emergency:
+94 11 269 1111
Languages:
English, Sinhala, Tamil
Facility Details
Services:
Free government hospital, comprehensive services
Insurance:
Free service, insurance for private wing
Taxi Fare:
LKR 400-800 from central locations
Colombo to Kandy Route
Kadugannawa Hospital
Kadugannawa (78 km from Colombo)
Contact Information
General:
+94 81 257 6261
Emergency:
+94 81 257 6261
Languages:
Limited English
Facility Details
Services:
Basic emergency care, stabilization
Insurance:
Government hospital - free
Taxi Fare:
On main route - no extra cost
Asiri Central Hospital Kandy
Asiri Hospital Road, Kandy
Contact Information
General:
+94 81 242 5000
Emergency:
+94 81 242 5050
Languages:
English, Sinhala, Tamil
Facility Details
Services:
24/7 emergency, modern facilities, specialists
Insurance:
International insurance accepted
Taxi Fare:
LKR 500-800 from Kandy city center
Kandy Teaching Hospital (Government)
William Gopallawa Mawatha, Kandy
Contact Information
General:
+94 81 223 3337
Emergency:
+94 81 222 2261
Languages:
English, Sinhala, Tamil
Facility Details
Services:
Comprehensive government hospital, all specialties
Insurance:
Free government service
Taxi Fare:
LKR 400-700 from city center
Colombo to Galle (South Coast)
Karapitiya Teaching Hospital
Galle (115 km from Colombo)
Contact Information
General:
+94 91 223 4958
Emergency:
+94 91 223 2261
Languages:
English, Sinhala
Facility Details
Services:
Major government hospital, trauma center
Insurance:
Free government service
Taxi Fare:
LKR 600-1,000 from Galle Fort
Hemas Hospital Thalawathugoda
Colombo outskirts (15 km)
Contact Information
General:
+94 11 788 8888
Emergency:
+94 11 788 8888
Languages:
English, Sinhala, Tamil
Facility Details
Services:
24/7 emergency, modern private hospital
Insurance:
International insurance accepted
Taxi Fare:
LKR 1,200-1,800 from airport
Ruhunu Hospital Galle
Labuduwa, Galle
Contact Information
General:
+94 91 223 4000
Emergency:
+94 91 223 4000
Languages:
English, Sinhala
Facility Details
Services:
Private hospital, emergency services
Insurance:
Most insurance accepted
Taxi Fare:
LKR 700-1,200 from Galle city
Hill Country (Nuwara Eliya, Ella)
Nuwara Eliya General Hospital
Hospital Road, Nuwara Eliya
Contact Information
General:
+94 52 222 2261
Emergency:
+94 52 222 2261
Languages:
Limited English
Facility Details
Services:
Government hospital, basic emergency care
Insurance:
Free government service
Taxi Fare:
LKR 500-800 from town center
Bandarawela Hospital
Bandarawela (near Ella)
Contact Information
General:
+94 57 222 2261
Emergency:
+94 57 222 2261
Languages:
Limited English
Facility Details
Services:
District hospital, emergency services
Insurance:
Free government service
Taxi Fare:
LKR 2,500-4,500 from Ella
East Coast (Trincomalee, Batticaloa)
Trincomalee General Hospital
Trincomalee
Contact Information
General:
+94 26 222 2261
Emergency:
+94 26 222 2261
Languages:
English, Tamil, Sinhala
Facility Details
Services:
Government hospital, emergency services
Insurance:
Free government service
Taxi Fare:
LKR 500-1,000 from city center
Batticaloa Teaching Hospital
Batticaloa
Contact Information
General:
+94 65 222 2261
Emergency:
+94 65 222 2261
Languages:
Tamil, English, Sinhala
Facility Details
Services:
Teaching hospital, comprehensive care
Insurance:
Free government service
Taxi Fare:
LKR 600-1,200 from beach areas
Common Health Issues & How to Handle Them
Food Poisoning / Traveler's Diarrhea
Symptoms:
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps
Immediate Action:
- 1Stay hydrated - ORS (oral rehydration salts) from any pharmacy
- 2Avoid solid food for 4-6 hours
- 3If severe or bloody stools, seek medical attention
- 4Most pharmacies sell anti-diarrheal medication (Imodium)
Prevention:
Drink bottled water, eat at busy restaurants, avoid street food first few days
Hospital Needed When:
If severe dehydration, high fever, or lasting more than 48 hours
Heat Exhaustion / Heat Stroke
Symptoms:
Dizziness, excessive sweating, weakness, confusion
Immediate Action:
- 1Move to shade/air-conditioned space immediately
- 2Drink cool water slowly
- 3Cool body with wet cloths
- 4If confusion or unconsciousness, call ambulance (110)
Prevention:
Stay hydrated, avoid midday sun, wear hat, take breaks
Hospital Needed When:
If symptoms severe or victim loses consciousness
Dengue Fever
Symptoms:
High fever, severe headache, joint/muscle pain, rash
Immediate Action:
- 1Seek medical attention - blood test needed for diagnosis
- 2Stay hydrated
- 3Paracetamol for fever (NOT aspirin or ibuprofen)
- 4Rest and monitor symptoms
Prevention:
Use mosquito repellent, wear long sleeves at dawn/dusk, stay in screened rooms
Hospital Needed When:
Always seek medical evaluation if suspected dengue
Minor Accidents / Cuts
Symptoms:
Cuts, scrapes, minor injuries
Immediate Action:
- 1Clean wound with clean water
- 2Apply antiseptic from pharmacy
- 3Cover with sterile bandage
- 4For deep cuts, seek medical attention for possible stitches
Prevention:
Watch footing on uneven roads, be careful with tuk-tuk doors
Hospital Needed When:
Deep cuts, persistent bleeding, or signs of infection
Insect Bites / Allergic Reactions
Symptoms:
Itching, swelling, redness, rarely severe allergic reaction
Immediate Action:
- 1Antihistamine cream or tablets from pharmacy
- 2Cold compress to reduce swelling
- 3If breathing difficulty, call ambulance immediately (110)
- 4Carry EpiPen if known severe allergies
Prevention:
Use repellent, check beds for insects, shake out shoes before wearing
Hospital Needed When:
Any difficulty breathing, severe swelling, or known severe allergies
Travel Insurance: Complete Guide
Critical: Travel insurance is essential, not optional. Medical evacuation alone can cost $50,000-$100,000. A good policy costs $50-150 for 2 weeks - no-brainer investment.
What to Look For in Travel Insurance
- ✓Medical coverage minimum $100,000 USD
- ✓Emergency medical evacuation coverage
- ✓Repatriation of remains (morbid but necessary)
- ✓Adventure activity coverage if doing water sports/hiking
- ✓24/7 emergency assistance hotline
- ✓Direct billing arrangements with major Sri Lankan hospitals
Recommended Travel Insurance Providers
- ✓World Nomads - Popular with backpackers, adventure coverage
- ✓SafetyWing - Good for digital nomads, monthly plans
- ✓Allianz - Comprehensive coverage, established reputation
- ✓IMG Global - Good medical coverage limits
- ✓Your credit card - Check if travel insurance included
Making a Claim
- ✓Keep ALL receipts - hospitals, pharmacies, taxi to hospital
- ✓Get detailed medical report with diagnosis
- ✓Take photos of injuries if applicable
- ✓Report incidents to police if accident/crime related
- ✓Contact insurer within 24-48 hours of incident
- ✓Submit claim promptly with all documentation
What's Typically NOT Covered
- ✗Pre-existing medical conditions (unless declared)
- ✗Injuries while intoxicated
- ✗Adventure sports without specific coverage
- ✗Injuries from unlicensed activities
- ✗Mental health issues (often limited coverage)
- ✗Routine medical care unrelated to emergency
Direct Billing Hospitals
These private Colombo hospitals often have direct billing with major insurers (call your insurer to confirm):
- • Asiri Central Hospital
- • Nawaloka Hospital
- • Lanka Hospitals
- • Hemas Hospital
Direct billing means hospital bills insurer directly - you don't pay upfront. Confirm coverage and authorization before treatment.
Pharmacy Guide for Travelers
Osusala (State)
Pharmacy chains (private)
Common Medications (Over the Counter)
| Need | Medication | Prescription Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Pain/fever | Paracetamol (Panadol) | No |
| Diarrhea | Loperamide (Imodium) | No |
| Allergies | Cetirizine | No |
| Nausea | Domperidone | No |
| Antibiotics | Various | Yes (usually) |
| Rehydration | ORS packets (Jeevani) | No |
Pharmacy Tips
- •Bring prescription copy for controlled medications
- •Generic names often different from brand names
- •Pharmacists can provide basic medical advice
- •Most common medications available without prescription
- •Prices much cheaper than Western countries
Getting to Hospital in Emergency
Life-Threatening Emergency
- 1Call 110 (ambulance) - They will dispatch to your location
- 2If no ambulance available - Flag any taxi, negotiate later, say "hospital urgently"
- 3Go to nearest hospital first - Stabilize, then transfer if needed
Non-Critical Medical Issue
- 1Use PickMe or Uber - Request normally, tell driver you need hospital
- 2Call hospital first - Confirm emergency department open and can treat your issue
- 3Bring your passport, insurance card, and cash - Government hospitals free, private charge upfront
Expected Taxi Fares to Hospitals
- • Within Colombo: LKR 500-1,500 depending on distance
- • From suburbs to Colombo hospitals: LKR 1,500-3,000
- • From tourist areas (Galle, Kandy) to major hospitals: LKR 500-1,200
- • Tip: In true emergency, fare negotiable. Safety first, payment second.
Emergency Preparation Checklist
Before You Travel
Upon Arrival in Sri Lanka
Stay Safe, Travel Prepared
Medical emergencies are rare, but being prepared makes all the difference. Sri Lanka has good medical infrastructure in major cities, with both government and private hospitals capable of handling most situations. English-speaking staff are common in private facilities.
The most important things: travel insurance, knowing emergency numbers (119, 110, 1912), and having a plan. Save this guide offline, share it with travel companions, and hope you never need to reference it.
Need reliable transportation to medical facilities or emergency situations? Contact Cab Connect - our drivers know hospital locations and can assist in coordinating emergency transport 24/7.
Disclaimer: Prices, contact numbers, and opening hours mentioned in this guide are accurate as of February 2026. However, these details are subject to change based on local regulations and economic conditions. We recommend verifying critical information (like embassy contacts or hospital availability) locally or via the official Sri Lanka Tourism portal before your trip.