September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day 2025

Every life matters

Suranjani Wickremeratne, Chairperson, Sri Lanka Sumithrayo talks of their mission

On September 10th, the world unites to mark World Suicide Prevention Day - a day dedicated to raising awareness, breaking stigma and inspiring action to save lives. In Sri Lanka, where suicide remains a pressing public health concern, Sri Lanka Sumithrayo continues to stand as a beacon of hope, compassion and non-judgmental support for those in emotional crisis.

The reality in numbers

According to the latest available data (2022), Sri Lanka’s suicide rate is 15.48 deaths per 100,000 people, significantly higher than the global average of around 9 per 100,000.

Men: 25.8 per 100,000

Women: 5.3 per 100,000

While these figures represent a marked improvement from the mid-1990s - when Sri Lanka recorded one of the highest suicide rates in the world at over 40 per 100,000 - the numbers remain deeply concerning. Middle-aged men are the most affected group, but there is a worrying rise in suicides among youth, often linked to academic pressure, relationship issues, and economic hardship.

From crisis to change: A national journey

Sri Lanka’s progress in reducing suicide rates is a testament to targeted interventions. The banning of highly toxic pesticides in the late 1990s and early 2000s saved thousands of lives. Public awareness campaigns, school-based education, and community outreach have also played a role. Yet, the battle is far from over. Social stigma, lack of open conversation about mental health, and limited access to emotional support continue to put lives at risk.

Sri Lanka Sumithrayo: Listening without judgment

For over four decades, Sri Lanka Sumithrayo has been at the heart of suicide prevention efforts. Our mission is simple yet profound: to provide free, confidential and non-judgmental emotional support to anyone in distress.

We operate 12 centres across the country, staffed entirely by trained volunteers who dedicate their time to listening- truly listening - to those who feel unheard. Our services include:

• Walk-in support for individuals in crisis
• Telephone helplines for those unable to visit in person
• Outreach programmes in schools, workplaces, and rural communities
• Awareness workshops to reduce stigma and promote mental well-being

Our volunteers are not counsellors or therapists, they are compassionate human beings who understand that sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do for someone is to listen without judgment.

2025 Theme: Changing the Narrative on Suicide

This year’s focus, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”, challenges us to move beyond silence, stigma, and fear, and to speak openly and compassionately about mental health. Too often, suicide is discussed only in whispers or framed as a taboo subject, leaving those who are struggling feeling isolated and misunderstood.

Changing the narrative means telling a different story - one where seeking help is seen as a sign of courage, where communities rally around those in pain, and where every conversation about mental health is rooted in empathy and understanding. It’s about replacing judgment with kindness, hopelessness with possibility, and despair with the belief that recovery is always within reach.

A call to the nation

We urge every Sri Lankan - individuals, communities, media, and policymakers - to join us in this mission. Suicide is not just a personal tragedy; it is a societal challenge that demands collective responsibility. Let us build a culture where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength, not weakness.

On this World Suicide Prevention Day, let us commit to listening more, judging less and loving deeper. Behind every statistic is a human story, and behind every story is a person who matters.

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If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to Sri Lanka Sumithrayo:

Sri Lanka Sumithrayo Hotline: 0707 308308 or 0767 520620

Visit: 60/7, Horton Place, Colombo 7

Website: https://srilankasumithrayo.lk/

You can be the reason someone chooses to stay

Because one conversation, one moment of care, can change — and even save — a life.

Suicide Prevention Awareness

Warning Signs to Watch For

• Talking about wanting to die or feeling hopeless
• Expressing unbearable emotional or physical pain
• Withdrawing from friends, family, and activities
• Sudden changes in mood — extreme sadness, anxiety, or calmness after distress
• Giving away possessions or saying goodbye in unusual ways
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Talking about feeling trapped or being a burden
• Risk-taking or self-destructive behaviour

How You Can Help Someone in Crisis

• Listen without judgment — let them speak freely
• Show empathy — acknowledge their feelings as real and important
• Ask directly if they are thinking about suicide — it will not “put the idea” in their head
• Stay with them if they are in immediate danger
• Encourage professional help — connect them to a helpline, counsellor, or doctor
• Remove means that could be used for self-harm
• Follow up — check in regularly to show you care

If you or someone you know is struggling:
Sri Lanka Sumithrayo Hotline: 0707 308308 or 0767 520620
Visit: 60/7, Horton Place, Colombo 7
Website: https://srilankasumithrayo.lk