COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, January 17 (ePRESS) – Sri Lanka has achieved a major but quiet public health success by cutting drowning deaths by nearly 30 percent over the past decade, proving that education, long-term commitment and collective action can save lives. From 855 drowning deaths recorded in 2014, the number fell to 610 by 2024, with early figures from 2025 showing a further decline. If the current trend continues, the country is set to record its lowest drowning death toll in more than ten years, a rare achievement in injury prevention.
In 2014, drowning was a silent national crisis. Rivers, reservoirs, irrigation canals and coastal waters claimed hundreds of lives each year, many of them children and young people. Public awareness was low, resources were limited and prevention was not widely understood. Yet, even during these difficult early years, those working in the field believed in one simple idea: education saves lives.
“There were times when all we had was hope,” said Asanka Nanayakkara, CEO and Media Spokesperson of Sri Lanka Life Saving (SLLS). “But we never stopped. We continued the work even during the darkest periods. This progress does not belong to one organisation. It belongs to everyone who believed and stood together.”
Drowning is recognised by the World Health Organization as a major but highly preventable public health problem, especially in countries with widespread exposure to open water. Sri Lanka’s response closely followed global guidance while adapting solutions to local realities, focusing strongly on children, vulnerable communities and disaster-prone areas.
At the centre of this national effort is Sri Lanka Life Saving, the country’s recognised authority for drowning prevention, lifesaving and water safety. Over the past decade, it transformed global, evidence-based recommendations into simple and practical programmes delivered across the island, from rural villages to coastal towns.
Working closely with the International Life Saving Federation, government institutions, the Disaster Management Centre, the Ministry of Health, the Tri Forces, Police, Coast Guard and community organisations, Sri Lanka Life Saving led nationwide programmes in survival swimming, basic rescue skills, water safety education, community lifesaving, and first aid and CPR training for first responders.
These efforts were strengthened by strong partnerships with international donors and supporters, including the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, Life Saving Victoria, the U.S. Embassy in Colombo and the Australian High Commission. Their support helped expand programme reach, maintain continuity and ensure long-term sustainability during difficult economic periods.
Official data from the Registrar General’s Department, Ministry of Health, WHO and Sri Lanka Police shows a clear and steady decline in drowning fatalities from 2014 onwards. Between 2014 and 2024 alone, 245 lives were saved, marking an overall reduction of nearly 29 percent. Preliminary figures for the first half of 2025 suggest the downward trend is continuing, subject to final year-end validation.
Behind these statistics are human stories: children who learned survival swimming, parents trained to rescue safely, and communities better prepared for floods and water-related emergencies. Each programme strengthened local capacity and reduced risk, especially in areas most affected by drowning.
“Education has always been the foundation,” Nanayakkara said. “When people understand water safety and know how to respond, lives are saved. This success belongs to every instructor, volunteer, donor and community member who played a role.”
Despite economic hardship, political uncertainty and increasing climate-related risks, Sri Lanka stayed the course. Its decade-long journey shows that drowning is preventable and that long-term commitment, education and partnership can deliver lasting results.
As the country moves toward the global development goals for 2030, Sri Lanka’s experience offers a powerful message to the world: even in the most challenging circumstances, hope combined with action can save lives and create lasting impact.
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