Over 3,400 suicides reported in Sri Lanka in 2022

Director of the Mental Health Department of the Ministry of Health Dr. Rohan Ratnayake, yesterday said that 3,406 suicides had been reported in Sri Lanka in last year (2022) and one suicide is reported every four hours.

He also stated that suicides can be prevented if mental health is improved.

He said this yesterday (March 16) while participating in a workshop held jointly by the Ministry of Media and the Ministry of Health at the Sri Lanka Administrative Development Institute.

He said that 2,832 of the suicides reported last year were men and the remaining 574 were women. Accordingly, the number of cases of male suicides is higher than female suicides.

Dr. Rohan Ratnayake also said that people resort to suicide due to chronic illnesses, impotence, mental illness and drug addiction etc.

The Director of Mental Health said that more suicides had taken place in Gampaha and Kurunegala Districts while suicides in the Gampaha District had increased irregularly last year.

He also said that economic problems are one of the reasons for the suicides. He also stated that survey reports have revealed that male suicides increase with age, while women tend to commit suicide at a young age.

(Source: Daily News – By Sandhya Karunaratne)

If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help, resources are available for immediate support:
– For emergencies contact National Mental Health Helpline 1926
– Sumithrayo: +94 11 2 682535 / +94 11 2 682570
– CCCline: 1333 (toll free)