Sri Lanka, April 13 -- A dedicated 24-hour emergency hotline - 106 - has been introduced by the Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) in a significant step towards strengthening maritime safety and ensuring swift response to sea-borne emergencies.

The newly introduced hotline is aimed at minimizing response time and enhancing coordination in maritime distress situations. By providing the public, seafarers, and coastal communities with an immediate and direct communication channel, the SLCG seeks to improve operational readiness and reinforce national efforts in maritime security and environmental conservation, a statement by the Ministry of Defence noted.

As the nation's premier maritime law enforcement agency, the SLCG plays a vital role in saf...