Comments on: Sri Lanka: Different Codes for Different Folks

By: Chanuka Wattegama

Chanuka Wattegama — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 12:32:55 +0000

Thank you, Flyer. This is getting interesting.

I have heard 118 is assigned as ‘Help Desk’ by AirTel. (Defence Ministry hotline for the rest) Dunno they mean help desk for security or technical probs. Will appreciate if someone clarifies.

By: K FLYER

K FLYER — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 12:26:53 +0000

Chanuka, I think every network charges for 119 . Only 118 is free .

By: Haren

Haren — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 07:29:15 +0000

The number to dial in an emergency when in Australia is ‘000′ (911 also work though). The nature os most emergencies however is that the people who get caught up in them go through very high levels of stress which translates into physiological and psychological changes that seriously limits the persons ability to think logically. [1]
A matter like this should not be left in the hands of an incompetent and ill-informed bureaucracy. Deciding on one number to dial during any emergency is not just a matter of convenience – it is the only way it can and should be done and the only way it will actually work.

By: Malinda

Malinda — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:12:05 +0000

we can call to 911 via Sri lanka networks.

By: Chanuka Wattegama

Chanuka Wattegama — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 10:30:02 +0000

I got this link from Malinda. It shows Tigo short codes. Don’t expect anybody to remember. http://www.tigo.lk/servicesCodes.htm

One difference is Tigo charges for 119 – the hot line to Police. (Can be a Typo.)

Toll free charges are important not because of the amount – which is anyway not much now. It is important because many pre-paid users (particularly at BOP) frequently undergo no-credit periods. (till they find money for next reload) Toll free calling makes the phone useful even in this period.

By: Rohan Samarajiva

Rohan Samarajiva — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 03:59:50 +0000

Worldwide, there are two numbers that are used for emergencies. 911 which originated in North America and 112 which originated in in Europe. It would be interesting to find out why Sri Lanka has not followed these international standards.

Also, I wonder whether there is any precedent for a regulatory agency appropriating for itself a highly valuable short code?

By: deeps

deeps — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 12:52:51 +0000

of couse. one number is enough

By: SB Herath

SB Herath — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 11:45:10 +0000

This is a good one. Always TRC is not practical
Why not have a single number. 119 is OK