Calling Here
International dialing code: +94
Languages spoken: Sinhala (74%), English (25%), Tamil (18%).
- The traditional greeting is “Ayubowan” (May you live long), accompanied by a slight bow with hands pressed together in a prayer-like position.
Hazard Preparedness
Create a Flood Emergency Plan
Prepare your household for potential flooding by creating a specific emergency plan. Identify your flood risk, establish evacuation routes to higher ground, create a communication plan, and assemble necessary supplies.
- Determine your specific flood risk (check flood maps, know local flood history).
- Identify safe evacuation routes to higher ground.
- Establish a family communication plan (including out-of-area contact).
Emergency Flotation Devices
Improve water safety by ensuring personal flotation devices (PFDs) like life jackets are available and used correctly, especially when boating or swimming. Keep throwable flotation aids accessible on beaches. Teach children safe usage.
- Wear a properly fitting, Coast Guard-approved life jacket (PFD) when boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, or in potentially hazardous water conditions.
- Ensure children wear appropriate PFDs near any water.
- Have throwable flotation devices (e.g., ring buoy, flotation cushion) readily accessible on boats and piers.
Create an Emergency Kit
Ensure self-sufficiency during severe weather by assembling an emergency kit with essentials: water, non-perishable food, first aid, medications, flashlight, radio, batteries, sanitation items, and important documents.
- Include basics: Water (1 gal/person/day for 3-7 days), Non-perishable food (3-7 days), Battery/hand-crank Radio (NOAA preferred), Flashlight, Extra batteries.
- Add: First aid kit, Medications (7-day supply), Whistle, Dust masks.
- Pack: Plastic sheeting/duct tape (for sheltering), Moist towelettes, garbage bags, basic tools.
Official Emergency Resources
Emergency Coverage
Emergency Numbers in Related Countries
Police, fire, and ambulance numbers for related countries.
