Sri Lanka has been ranked as having one of the lowest terrorist threats according to the GTI 2025 report. The report highlights national improvements in security since the end of the civil conflict in 2009. Meanwhile, incidents of violence against medical personnel raise safety concerns in healthcare settings. Addressing land compensation issues for the Ruwanpura Expressway project remains a priority for the government.
According to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025 report, Sri Lanka has been recognized as one of the countries with the lowest terrorist threat. With a ranking of 100 out of 163 countries, Sri Lanka shares a score of zero with 63 other nations. Dr. Wasantha Bandara emphasized that the country, having previously endured severe terrorist activities, now stands alongside Bhutan with the lowest terror threat in South Asia.
Sri Lanka’s armed forces and police have played significant roles in restoring normalcy after years of conflict with the LTTE, culminating in the group’s defeat in May 2009. Following this, the GTI was instituted, which aggregates data on terrorist incidents, including over 73,000 documented attacks from 2007 to 2024. Dr. Bandara also noted the occurrence of major terrorist events following the GTI’s establishment, highlighting the significance of security measures in the country.
Despite improvements in the terrorist situation in Sri Lanka, the GTI indicates an increase in global terrorist activity, particularly in Western nations where attacks surged by 63%. Europe has faced a notable escalation, witnessing a doubling of attacks to 67 in a single year. Alarmingly, a high proportion of terror suspects in these countries were minors, indicating a concerning trend in youth involvement.
Concerning the threats posed to Sri Lanka, Dr. Bandara underlined the importance of remaining vigilant against the potential for terrorist activities, particularly following last year’s Easter attacks, which were attributed to the National Thowheed Jaamat (NTJ). He urged the current government to uphold national security and avoid political maneuvers that could jeopardize the country’s hard-earned stability.
In a different domain, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala reported that a military deserter has been identified as the main suspect in the alleged rape of a female doctor at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital. The incident has raised alarms regarding the safety of female medical staff in public hospitals, prompting widespread condemnation and a strike by hospital doctors calling for immediate justice.
Additionally, Transport Minister Bimal Ratanayake addressed concerns that landowners whose properties were seized for the Ruwanpura Expressway project continue to incur rates, promising that the government aims to provide compensation by year-end. The issue underlines the challenges faced by residents affected by state projects and the need for resolution to assist those impacted.
In summary, Sri Lanka is recognized by the GTI as one of the countries with the least terrorist threats, reflecting the country’s significant strides toward stability after past conflicts. Meanwhile, recent incidents involving security breaches, such as the rape of a doctor, underscore persisting safety concerns in public facilities. Ministers have acknowledged pressing issues regarding land compensation for the Ruwanpura Expressway, highlighting the need for government accountability to affected citizens. Such developments emphasize the importance of maintaining public safety and addressing the ongoing challenges in governance and administration.
Original Source: island.lk
