The Global Terrorism Index 2025 ranks Sri Lanka 100th out of 163 countries concerning terrorism threats, sharing the lowest score with several other nations. Dr. Wasantha Bandara emphasized the role of the armed forces in establishing peace since the end of the LTTE conflict in 2009. Concerns arose about recent violence against healthcare professionals and issues related to land compensation for the Ruwanpura Expressway project, prompting calls for legislative reform.
The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025 has designated Sri Lanka as one of the countries with the lowest terrorist threat, ranking 100th among 163 nations. This assessment was highlighted by Dr. Wasantha Bandara, a spokesperson for the Top National Patriotic Movement (PNM), during a statement made on 11th March. Sri Lanka shares this distinction with 63 other nations, indicating a GTI score of zero, and is aligned with Bhutan in terms of the lowest terror threat within the South Asian region.
Dr. Bandara acknowledged the vital efforts of Sri Lanka’s armed forces and police in restoring peace post-terrorism. He remarked on the culmination of a lengthy conflict with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in May 2009, and noted that the GTI, created by the Institute for Economics and Peace, is based on terrorism data collected since January 2007. Despite improved security, Dr. Bandara cautioned that terrorist incidents have increased in other countries, especially in the West, which has seen a 63% rise in such events.
He underscored the continued threats, particularly in light of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks attributed to the National Thowheed Jamaath. Dr. Bandara criticized the prior Yahapalana government for failing to act on intelligence regarding the attacks. He also expressed concerns about the portrayal of Sri Lanka as a nation susceptible to terrorism, suggesting that the new GTI report should serve as a defense against ongoing allegiances of war crimes.
Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala reported to Parliament the identification of the main suspect in the alleged rape of a female doctor at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital as a military deserter. This case has drawn condemnation from opposing political leaders, particularly Sajith Premadasa, who demanded stricter laws for the protection of female doctors and public hospital staff. In light of this incident, calls for immediate government action and support from the Opposition to develop legislation targeting violent crimes have been made.
Additionally, the Ruwanpura Expressway project led to discussions in Parliament, where Transport Minister Bimal Ratanayake acknowledged that landowners whose properties were acquired for the project continue to pay rates. He assured that the government aims to compensate all affected individuals by the end of the year. This issue has remained unresolved for a decade, causing concern among landowners in the area.
The Global Terrorism Index report highlights Sri Lanka’s significant advancements in reducing terrorism, ranking it among nations with the lowest threats. However, recent incidents of violence against professionals in public service raise urgent concerns about safety in the country. Furthermore, ongoing issues surrounding land acquisitions for infrastructure projects necessitate prompt governmental attention and action. These developments underline the importance of maintaining both security and the welfare of citizens in governance.
Original Source: island.lk
