News

SL’s suicide rate down to 3,000 in 2019 from 8,000 — the highest in the world in 1995

Published

6 years ago

2020/10/18

By Steve A. Morrell

Sri Lanka’s suicide rate dipped to 3,000 in 2019 from an alarming 8,000 per annum in 1995, which was considered the highest in the world at the time, says Dr. Pushpa Ranasinghe, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

It was salutary that suicides in the country saw a gradual decline over the years since then (1995) to settle at 3,000 in 2019. Studies show that suicides are now prevalent more among older people than younger persons, she told a recent discussion initiated by Airtel on mental health in Sri Lanka.

Dr. Ranasinghe said the widespread use of mobile phones and texting for help were instrumental in reducing suicides among young persons. However, this was not of note among older people, both men and women.

Sri Lanka now occupies the 31st position in terms of recorded suicides, she said, adding that the prevalence of suicides among older people is extremely disappointing.

World-wide, the recorded number of suicides was around 800,000 annually, which meant there was a suicide case every 40 seconds, she elaborated.

The primary reason for the increase of suicides among older people was that families usually have no time for the elderly. Loneliness, family isolation, relegated to a corner of the house and not being spoken to, were all symptoms that lead to many such people taking their own lives, Dr. Ranasinghe further said.

Alcohol was also a contributory factor for suicides among older persons, who do not access or take recourse to counseling, thereby leading to despair, she noted.

Strangulation and hanging were the common methods among this group of people to take their own lives. Unlike the elderly, young people were aware of the alarming consequences and are more prone to seek counseling, which Dr. Ranasinghe said, was available on a 24-hour basis.

The NIMH and Sri Lanka Sumithrayo have trained personnel to handle counseling around the clock. The NIMH receives 12,000 calls per year seeking help and advise in any developing circumstance. Positive responses to those seeking advise helped to reduce suicides, she added.

Managing Director, Airtel, Asish Chandra, who addressed participants via an online video call, said 3,000 to 5,000 lives are lost each year due to suicides. It was gratifying to note that more people are now seeking counseling, which is available online as well. Counseling is handled by trained personnel involving doctors and nurses.

It also emerged at the panel discussion that incest among the estate population was also a cause for suicides.

Dr. Ranasinghe said the voice based hotline 1926 could also be used to seek counseling and advice.

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News

INS Sharda arrives in Colombo

Published

7 hours ago

2026/06/10

Priyan

The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sharda arrived at the port of Colombo on 10 Jun 26 for an Operational Turnaround.

In keeping with time-honoured naval customs, the Sri Lanka Navy extended a traditional welcome to the visiting ship upon her arrival.

The Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) is under the command of Commander Kartik Sachdeva.

During the ship’s stay in the island, its crew is scheduled to take part in several programmes organised by the Sri Lanka Navy, aiming to foster camaraderie and professional interaction.

Additionally, the Indian naval personnel will explore several prominent tourist attractions of Sri Lanka.

News

The government is implementing a comprehensive programme to restore the livelihoods of fishermen and businesses affected by Cyclone Ditwah – PM

Published

11 hours ago

2026/06/10

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government has implemented a comprehensive programme to assist the fishing community and micro, small, medium, and large-scale entrepreneurs affected by Cyclone Ditwah in rebuilding their livelihoods.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while responding to questions in Parliament on Tuesday (09) regarding the relief measures introduced for those affected by the disaster.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

“The Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources has initiated a special assistance programme for both marine and inland fishermen affected by Cyclone Ditwah. Under this programme, new fishing vessels will be provided to replace those that were completely destroyed, while partially damaged vessels will be repaired. The distribution of fishing nets to eligible fishermen has also commenced.

To support the recovery of businesses damaged by the cyclone, the Government has introduced a concessional loan scheme carrying an annual interest rate of 3 per cent. The programme, with a total allocation of Rs. 10,000 million, is being implemented through 15 banks. As at 28 April 2026, loans amounting to Rs. 3,812 million had been disbursed to 2,800 entrepreneurs. The scheme offers a repayment period of up to three years, including a six-month grace period, with the objective of enabling businesses to resume operations without delay. Applicants are required to obtain recommendations from the Grama Niladhari and the Divisional Secretary certifying that the business was operational before the cyclone and that it was affected by the disaster.

The Prime Minister further stated that, on the instructions of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, licensed banks have granted a moratorium on loan repayments and waived penalty interest until 31 January 2026. The Prime Minister also emphasized that compensation payments to affected entrepreneurs are continuing in accordance with the relevant ministerial circulars and disaster relief guidelines.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

News

Formulation of a Draft Economic Development Bill to expedite the process of Digital Transformation and Digital Economic Development

Published

21 hours ago

2026/06/10

Priyan

It is essential to establish an institutional framework with legal powers to ensure the effective implementation of national digital policy and guidelines.

Quality human capital should be attracted to this institutional framework for the compilation of policies, implementation of policies, regulation, and empowerment of operations. The continuous participation of the private sector should also be considered in establishing a strong institutional framework.

It has been further identified that attention should also be
drawn to new fields of digital innovation, including support for artificial intelligence and related activities.

Taking into consideration the aforementioned matters, a concept paper has been formulated to prepare a Draft Economic Development Bill for the establishment of a new institutional framework.

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution furnished by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Digital Economy to instruct legal draftsman to formulate a Draft Economic Development Bill based on the aforementioned concept paper.