Sri Lanka is recognized as having one of the lowest terrorist threats according to the GTI 2025, ranking 100th out of 163 countries. Dr. Bandara of PNM highlighted the success of armed forces in restoring peace post-LTTE. While the national security situation improves, there is a noted increase in global terrorist incidents, particularly in Western countries.
The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025 has officially ranked Sri Lanka among the nations with the lowest terrorist threats. According to Dr. Wasantha Bandara, a spokesperson for the National Patriotic Movement (PNM), the recent GTI report places Sri Lanka at the 100th position out of 163 countries, achieving a score of zero alongside 63 other nations known for low terrorist activity.
Dr. Bandara emphasized that Sri Lanka is on par with Bhutan in terms of the lowest terror threat in South Asia. He credited the country’s armed forces and police for enduring significant sacrifices to restore peace, noting that the war against the LTTE concluded successfully in May 2009, despite the GTI’s establishment occurring later.
The GTI report utilizes data from the TerrorismTracker and other resources, tracking more than 73,000 terrorist incidents from January 2007 to 2024. Dr. Bandara mentioned significant fighting and terrorist attacks occurred after the GTI was launched 12 years ago, yet reiterated that post-LTTE era incidents remained low, apart from a notable attack in 2019 attributed to the National Thowheed Jaamat (NTJ).
Despite the country’s improved security situation, Dr. Bandara pointed out a global rise in terrorist activities, with the number of affected countries increasing from 58 to 66, and Western nations experiencing a sharp rise in attacks. In 2024, the Islamic State (IS) was reported as the deadliest group, resulting in numerous deaths across various countries.
Responding to the potential for future attacks, Dr. Bandara urged Sri Lanka to remain vigilant and criticized the previous administration for its inability to prevent the Easter Sunday attacks despite having prior intelligence. He expressed concern that some factions continue to portray Sri Lanka as a terrorist-prone country, emphasizing the importance of the GTI report in countering such narratives and maintaining national security against war crime allegations.
In conclusion, the Global Terrorism Index categorizes Sri Lanka as having one of the lowest terrorist threats globally, thanks to the sacrifices made by its armed forces. Nonetheless, global trends indicate rising terrorist activities, particularly in Western countries. It is essential for Sri Lanka to maintain vigilance and uphold its security narrative, rebuffing negative portrayals of the country in relation to terrorism.
Original Source: island.lk
