Sri Lanka Police launch WhatsApp complaint service for hearing-impaired community
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Sri Lanka Police will launch a new WhatsApp-based service on September 10, 2026 allowing members of the hearing-impaired community to lodge complaints with the 119 Police Emergency Call Unit through video calls.
The initiative was officially launched by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake as part of programs held on September 3, 2026, to mark the 160th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Police.
Police said the service is aimed at protecting the rights of the hearing-impaired community while improving their access to emergency police services.
Until a dedicated short-code telephone number is introduced, those wishing to use the service can contact the 119 Emergency Call Unit through the telephone number 011 280 9980.
To lodge a complaint, users should first save the number on their mobile phone and make an audio call to it through WhatsApp. The call will then be disconnected and a link will be sent to the caller’s mobile phone.
Users should open the link through WhatsApp, select “Join Browser” and then select “Join Meeting.” They will then be connected to a video call where they can communicate their complaint to the Police.
Sri Lanka Police has requested the public to help make members of the hearing-impaired community aware of the new service, which has been introduced to improve their safety, accessibility and convenience.