The Rising Toll of Drowning in Sri Lanka

Water, which sustains life, can just as swiftly take it away.

- By Zainab Hussein

Sri Lanka’s natural landscapes and abundant water bodies are indeed a source of pride and economic prosperity through tourism and agriculture. However, we cannot ignore the grim reality which has become increasingly evident, as drowning remains the second leading cause of accidental death in the country.

Each year, approximately 800 people meet their watery graves, with the Northern Province recording the highest crude drowning rate. As of 2025, the island nation has seen a concerning rise in such fatalities, particularly during the month of May. Among recent tragic incidents are the deaths of two young girls in Palukadawala Lake, the drowning of an inmate in the Mahaweli River during a prison escape, and three youths swept away by strong waves in Wennappuwa.

So, why exactly does drowning remain a deadly, yet preventable public health crisis in Sri Lanka? Daily Mirror spoke to Dr. Samitha Siritunga, National Programme Manager for the Injury Prevention Programme and specialist in the Non-Communicable Diseases Unit of the Ministry of Health. He explained that the causes of drowning can be broadly categorised into human risk factors and environmental conditions.

Causes of drowning

In most cases, poor swimming skills, negligence, alcohol consumption, lack of water safety knowledge and medical conditions such as epilepsy and fatigue lead to drowning. He said that there are also environmental factors like strong currents, rip tides and seasonal monsoons which can turn calm waters into a death trap.