Sri Lanka Police has introduced a new mobile application that allows members of the public to promptly alert police during emergencies.
Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) F.U. Wootler said any Sri Lankan citizen holding a National Identity Card (NIC) is eligible to register for the application, which is currently available on the Google Play Store under the name “Sri Lanka Police.”
The application features an SOS button that, when continuously pressed for 10 seconds during an emergency, transmits the user’s location details to the nearest police station.
ASP Wootler said the application provides an additional method of contacting the police alongside the 119 emergency hotline. It can also be used to alert police when a child is facing an emergency or is in distress, allowing officers to respond more quickly.
The SOS service is currently being implemented as a pilot project in the Colombo District.
Police have warned the public against misusing the application, particularly the SOS function. As location sharing is mandatory when the SOS feature is activated, users have been advised not to activate it for testing purposes, as a prank or to report false emergencies.
Wootler noted that legal action was taken against more than 91 individuals in 2025 for misusing the 119 emergency hotline.
To use the service, users must first download and register on the “Sri Lanka Police” app through the Google Play Store. The red SOS button is located at the bottom centre of the app’s home screen, alongside services including Police News, Emergency Hotline, Station Finder and E-Services.
In an emergency, users can select the SOS button and follow the instructions displayed on screen. Police advise users to enable required permissions, including location access, in advance to ensure the service can operate effectively.
The public is also advised to prioritize personal safety while making an SOS request and move to a safe location if possible, particularly in life-threatening situations.
