What is the Telephone Area Code for Colombo, Sri Lanka?

The telephone area code for Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka, is 011. This area code is used for landline telephone numbers in Colombo and its surrounding regions.

Understanding Area Codes in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka follows a system of area codes for its telecommunication network to help differentiate regions for landline calls. When dialing a phone number in Sri Lanka, it is essential to include the correct area code to ensure the call reaches the intended destination.

• Colombo (011): This is the area code for the capital city and the most populous region of Sri Lanka. It encompasses central and surrounding areas of Colombo, which includes the business and commercial hub of the country.
• Other Major Area Codes: Some other area codes in Sri Lanka include:
  • 077: For mobile phones (across Sri Lanka).
  • 021: For Kandy.
  • 022: For Galle.
  • 024: For Trincomalee.
  • 031: For Negombo.

When dialing Colombo from within Sri Lanka, one needs to prefix the number with 011, followed by the local number. For international calls to Colombo, the dialing format typically includes the country code for Sri Lanka, which is +94, and then the area code 011.

How to Dial Colombo from Abroad

If you are calling Colombo from outside Sri Lanka, follow these steps:

1. Dial the international access code (e.g., + or 00, depending on your country).
2. Dial the country code for Sri Lanka, which is +94.
3. Dial the area code for Colombo, which is 011.
4. Dial the local number.

For example, if the local Colombo number is 1234567, you would dial +94 11 1234567.

Why Area Codes Are Important

Area codes help ensure that phone calls are routed to the correct geographic location. They are essential for:

• Routing Calls: Area codes ensure that landline calls are directed to the right region.
• International Dialing: They help international callers reach specific locations within Sri Lanka.
• Organizing Communication: Area codes simplify communication and make the network more manageable by categorizing different regions.

The telephone area code for Colombo, Sri Lanka, is 011. It is crucial for dialing local and international calls to the capital city, ensuring the call is correctly routed. Whether calling from within Sri Lanka or from abroad, knowing the correct area code helps facilitate effective communication.