Sri Lanka is ranked 100th in the 2025 Global Terrorism Index as having one of the lowest terrorist threats. The GTI report notes a significant recovery from past terrorism, highlighting a score of zero shared with 63 other countries. Discussions concerning safety in medical institutions and regulatory challenges in excise operations were also raised, emphasizing the need for vigilance and legislative support.
The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025 categorizes Sri Lanka among nations with the lowest terrorism threat, ranking it 100th among 163 countries. Dr. Wasantha Bandara of the National Patriotic Movement highlights that Sri Lanka achieved a GTI score of zero, sharing this low threat status with 63 other countries. Notably, it is tied with Bhutan for the least threat in South Asia, marking a significant recovery from previous periods of conflict.
Dr. Bandara emphasized the sacrifices made by the armed forces and police in restoring normalcy post-conflict. He noted that although the GTI report was published years after the conclusion of the LTTE war in May 2009, it reflects the ongoing efforts against terrorism. The report compiles data from sources like TerrorismTracker, which catalogues over 73,000 incidents since 2007.
Despite improvements in national security, Dr. Bandara pointed out that 66 countries reported terrorist attacks, with the West experiencing a significant increase in such incidents. The number of attacks in the West surged by 63%, particularly in Europe, which saw its figures double. He stated that the Islamic State remains the deadliest group responsible for widespread fatalities across multiple nations.
Highlighting the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, Dr. Bandara advised remaining vigilant against potential threats, especially considering past intelligence warnings that went unheeded under the previous government. He criticized ongoing portrayals of Sri Lanka as a terrorism-affected country, asserting that the GTI report should aid in countering such narratives while reiterating the importance of national security.
In other news, a recent meeting on Excise Department operations aimed to address regulatory challenges and enhance revenue collection through strategic integration with the Inland Revenue Department. The session, attended by various officials including the President, focused on optimizing tax collection related to alcohol and other regulated substances.
Meanwhile, Parliament witnessed a heated discussion on the alarming sexual assault of a female doctor at Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital by an Army deserter. Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala confirmed the identification of the suspect and the deployment of police teams to capture him, as concerns over the safety of medical personnel in public hospitals escalated. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa demanded stricter legal measures to prevent such crimes and ensure safety in medical institutions.
Lastly, regarding the Ruwanpura Expressway project, Transport Minister Bimal Ratanayake acknowledged that landowners whose properties were acquired are still paying relevant taxes, underscoring the government’s commitment to provide compensation by year-end. House members discussed necessary legislative support to expedite this matter.
The recent GTI report underscores Sri Lanka’s significant strides in achieving low terrorism threats, highlighting the nation’s recovery from prior conflicts. As it shares this distinction with others in South Asia, the call for vigilance against any emerging threats remains critical. Meanwhile, ongoing concerns about safety in public sectors and regulatory issues in excise operations present challenges that need immediate attention. The government is urged to ensure the safety of its citizens and provide timely support and compensation for affected landowners.
Original Source: island.lk
