Sri Lanka Police have warned of legal action against individuals misusing the 119 emergency hotline, citing a rise in false and non-emergency calls.

Police Media Spokesman Assistant Superintendent F. U. Wootler said the service is meant for urgent police intervention, but is increasingly used for matters such as water, electricity, financial and land disputes, disrupting emergency responses.

He said several phone numbers responsible for repeated misuse have been identified and temporarily blocked from accessing the service.

Police urged the public to use 119 strictly for genuine emergencies to avoid delays in assisting those in need.