In Sri Lanka, call MRCC Colombo on +94 11 232 9109. Navy 24-hour hotline: 105. Second 24-hour line: Navy Operations Room, +94 11 244 5368. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
Source: navy.lk · authority’s own page · checked 14 October 2026 Official wording ▾
navy.lk/faq.html (checked 2026-10-14) — “Immediately call the Navy Operations Room on 011-2329109 , 011-2445368 or the 24-hour emergency hotline 105”; news.navy.lk (03 Oct 2026): “The Sri Lanka Navy, in coordination with the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo”
The northeast monsoon runs from December to February and the southwest monsoon from May to September. The inter-monsoon periods are March–April and October–November.
Government of Canada (travel.gc.ca) ▾
travel.gc.ca (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “The rainy season (or monsoon) extends from December to February in the northeast and May to September in the southwest. Between the northeast and southwest monsoons are two inter-monsoon seasons from March to April and from October to November.”
Official warnings
Many beaches have dangerous surf or rip tides at certain times of the year.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “Many beaches in Sri Lanka have dangerous surf or rip tides at certain times of the year.”
The threat of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean remains significant. Sailing yachts on their own passage are advised to stay out of the designated High Risk Area.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office · UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “The threat of piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean remains significant.”
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “all sailing yachts under their own passage should stay out of the designated High Risk Area”
Arriving by boat
You need prior permission to enter Sri Lankan waters and the security zones along the coast.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ▾
gov.uk (2026-10-14, gov-travel): “You need prior permission to enter Sri Lankan waters and the security zones in coastal areas.”
What number do I call for help at sea in Sri Lanka?+
In Sri Lanka, call MRCC Colombo on +94 11 232 9109. Navy 24-hour hotline: 105. Second 24-hour line: Navy Operations Room, +94 11 244 5368. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
Does 112 work in Sri Lanka?+
The general emergency number in Sri Lanka is 119. Many mobile phones also pass 112 on to the local emergency service, but we found no official confirmation for Sri Lanka. In a sea emergency, call +94 11 232 9109.
Which rescue centre is responsible for me?+
The one whose search-and-rescue area you are in — not the country of your SIM card. Near borders that can change during a trip; the VesselSOS app picks it from your GPS position.
When is the storm season in Sri Lanka?+
The northeast monsoon runs from December to February and the southwest monsoon from May to September. The inter-monsoon periods are March–April and October–November.
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