Sri Lanka Police has introduced a new WhatsApp video-call facility connected to the 119 Police Emergency Call Unit to allow members of the hearing-impaired community to lodge complaints using video communication.
Police says the facility is intended to improve access to emergency and complaint services for people who may have difficulty using conventional voice calls.
The initiative was formally launched as part of programmes marking the 160th anniversary of Sri Lanka Police and is scheduled to become operational on 10 September 2026.
How the temporary access system works
Until a dedicated short-code number is introduced, Police says users can access the service through:
011 280 9980
Users should:
- save the number on their mobile phone;
- initiate a WhatsApp audio call to the number;
- allow the call to disconnect automatically;
- open the link subsequently sent to the phone;
- select the browser/join options provided; and
- enter the video session to communicate the complaint.
The service is designed to enable visual communication between the complainant and Police personnel.
Important distinction
This should not be described as a Braille-based service.
It is a WhatsApp video-call complaint facility intended for hearing-impaired users.
The earlier ambiguity around the nature of the service is now sufficiently resolved for publication.