Sri Lanka Recognized for Low Terrorist Threat Amid Ongoing Security Concerns

The GTI 2025 report classifies Sri Lanka among countries with the lowest terrorist threats, owing to significant sacrifices by its armed forces. Dr. Wasantha Bandara confirms the nation’s rank at 100th globally. Concurrently, the identification of a military deserter as a suspect in a recent assault incident raises safety concerns. Moreover, landowners affected by the Ruwanpura Expressway project still face financial obligations, prompting government assurances of compensation.

The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025 report recently revealed that Sri Lanka ranks 100th among 163 countries, marking it as a nation with the lowest terrorist threat. Dr. Wasantha Bandara of the National Patriotic Movement (PNM) noted that Sri Lanka shares a GTI score of zero, placing it alongside 63 other countries in this ranking. Additionally, he highlighted that Sri Lanka is classified with Bhutan as possessing the lowest terrorist threat in the South Asian region.

Dr. Bandara attributed this stability to the sacrifices made by the armed forces and police to restore peace, noting that the conflict with the LTTE concluded successfully in May 2009. He also emphasized that despite the country’s improved status, certain political entities should not engage in strategies that may compromise national security. This observation comes in light of persistent global terrorism indicators, as reflected in the GTI.

According to the GTI, the West has seen a significant increase in terrorist incidents, with attacks rising by 63%, particularly in Europe where instances doubled to 67 in 2024. Dr. Bandara cautioned that Sri Lanka must remain vigilant against potential threats, referring to past failures to prevent the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks despite having intelligence on possible risks. The report indicates that organizations such as the Islamic State continue to perpetrate acts of violence, demonstrating the ongoing risks of terrorism globally.

In other news, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala confirmed that the main suspect in the recent sexual assault of a female doctor in Anuradhapura has been identified as a military deserter. Authorities have mobilized five police teams to apprehend the suspect, and there is optimism regarding his capture based on the information available. This incident has spurred calls from the Opposition for enhanced safety measures for female medical professionals in state hospitals.

Transport Minister Bimal Ratanayake addressed concerns in Parliament regarding landowners still required to pay rates for properties acquired for the Ruwanpura Expressway project. Minister Ratanayake assured compensatory measures would be enacted by the year’s end to ameliorate the financial burden on these citizens. This acknowledgment underscores the continuing challenges faced by those impacted by government acquisitions for infrastructure developments.

In summary, Sri Lanka has achieved a notable status as one of the countries with the lowest terrorist threats, according to the GTI 2025 report, reflecting the sacrifices made by its armed forces and police. However, recent incidents, including the identification of a suspect in a violent crime against a female doctor, highlight ongoing concerns regarding public safety. Furthermore, the government’s commitment to address issues related to land acquisition for the Ruwanpura Expressway project demonstrates its responsiveness to citizen grievances. Nonetheless, political considerations must not undermine national security efforts as the global terrorism landscape evolves.

Original Source: island.lk