Area Code 45 – Ratnapura

Overview of Sri Lanka's Geographic Area Code 45

Area code 45 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the Ratnapura telecommunications region in Sri Lanka. Ratnapura, the capital of Sabaragamuwa Province, is a major hub for gem mining and agriculture, and this code serves the city and its surrounding administrative divisions, including Kuruwita, Balangoda, and Embilipitiya. The numbering plan follows the ITU-T E.164 standard, with the full international dialing format being +94 45 X XXX XXX for fixed-line subscribers.

Local and International Dialing Formats

For callers within Sri Lanka, the national trunk prefix 0 is used before the area code, resulting in the format 045 X XXX XXX. When dialing from abroad, the leading zero is omitted, and the country code +94 is used, yielding +94 45 X XXX XXX. The subscriber number length varies between 6 and 7 digits, depending on the specific exchange and the historical allocation. For example, a typical Ratnapura fixed-line number might be 045 2 234 567 (national) or +94 45 2 234 567 (international).

Geographic Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

The 45 code is managed by Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) and covers the Ratnapura District, which is part of the Sabaragamuwa Province. The district is subdivided into several Divisional Secretariat areas, including Ratnapura, Eheliyagoda, and Pelmadulla. The code is used for both residential and business fixed-line services, and it is also used for some wireless local loop (WLL) services that are geographically tied to the region.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

Currently, there is no overlay code for the Ratnapura area; the 45 code is the sole geographic code for the region. However, as with all Sri Lankan fixed-line numbers, the subscriber number length may vary, and callers should always verify the complete number before dialing. For local calls within the same area code, it is possible to dial just the subscriber number in some cases, but the recommended practice is to use the full national format to avoid confusion.

Caller Instructions

• Local callers (within Sri Lanka): Dial 045 X XXX XXX.
• International callers: Dial your country's exit code, then 94 45 X XXX XXX (e.g., from the US/Canada, dial 011 94 45 X XXX XXX).
• Emergency and special services: Always use the national emergency numbers (e.g., 110 for police, 119 for fire) regardless of location.

For businesses or individuals in Ratnapura, using the correct area code is essential for reliable connectivity. If you are unsure about a number, contact Sri Lanka Telecom or your service provider for assistance.