Sri Lanka Police has introduced an emergency SOS function through the Sri Lanka Police mobile app, allowing registered users to transmit their location to Police during an emergency.
According to Police Media Spokesperson ASP F.U. Wootler, Sri Lankan citizens holding a National Identity Card can register for the app.
The app is currently available through the Google Play Store under the name “Sri Lanka Police.”
How the SOS function works
During an emergency, a registered user can activate the SOS function by pressing and holding the SOS button continuously for 10 seconds.
Police say the system then transmits the user's location information to the nearest police station.
The service is intended to provide an additional method of contacting Police alongside the existing 119 emergency hotline.
Pilot project
Police say the SOS service is currently being implemented as a pilot project in Colombo District.
The service is currently limited to the stated Colombo District pilot.
Location permission
Location information is required when the SOS function is activated.
Police have asked users not to activate the feature:
- merely to test it;
- as a prank;
- to make a false emergency report.
The SOS service is a Colombo District pilot. Availability or performance outside the stated pilot, including iOS availability and response times, has not been announced.