Sri Lanka Police Introduces WhatsApp Video Service for Hearing-Impaired Community

Sri Lanka Police will introduce a new WhatsApp-based video service from Thursday (10), enabling members of the hearing-impaired community to submit complaints to the 119 emergency service through video calls.

The initiative was launched under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake as part of the celebrations marking the 160th Police Day.

Until a permanent short number is introduced, hearing-impaired individuals can access the service by first saving 011-2809980 on their mobile phone.

To use the service, callers should make a WhatsApp audio call to the number. The call will automatically disconnect, after which a link will be sent to the caller’s phone.

The caller can then open the link, select “Join Browser” followed by “Join Meeting”, and connect to a video call with police officers to communicate their complaint.

Police said the new service has been introduced specifically to improve the safety, accessibility and convenience of emergency services for members of the hearing-impaired community.