Sri Lanka has been ranked among the countries with the lowest terror threats in the world, according to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025, released on March 5. The 12th annual GTI report places Sri Lanka at 100th position out of 163 countries, with a GTI score of zero, sharing the lowest rank with 63 other nations. This marks a significant improvement for Sri Lanka, which has jumped 64 spots in the index over the past year, reflecting a decline in terrorism-related incidents and threats.
Sri Lanka’s progress is notable, especially considering the country’s history of terrorism. With a GTI score of zero, Sri Lanka has maintained a record of no terrorist attacks or fatalities for the fifth consecutive year since 2019, reinforcing its position as a stable nation in terms of security. The GTI report highlights this as a considerable achievement, as the country moves further away from the aftermath of the 2019 Easter bombings that devastated the island.
Sri Lanka’s ranking places it in a group of countries with minimal terrorism risks. It shares the lowest rank in South Asia with Bhutan. In contrast, the region has faced challenges due to rising terrorism in countries like Pakistan, which remains one of the most affected nations globally. Despite these challenges, the report reveals a positive trend: South Asia has seen a decline in terrorist activity overall, with all countries showing some improvement over the past decade.
In 2024, South Asia recorded the highest average GTI score, although it also represents a region marked by deteriorating conditions in Pakistan. Despite Pakistan’s ongoing struggles, which saw a rise in terrorist attacks and fatalities, Sri Lanka stands out as the most improved country in South Asia, demonstrating significant strides in counter-terrorism efforts.
Sri Lanka’s improvement can be attributed to several factors, including enhanced security measures, strengthened counter-terrorism policies, and a broader national focus on maintaining peace and stability. For the fifth consecutive year, the island nation has recorded no terrorist attacks or terrorism-related deaths, indicating that its efforts to reduce the threat have been successful.
The GTI report also praises Sri Lanka’s resilience in the face of challenges, underscoring the importance of sustained efforts in the fight against terrorism. This marks a sharp contrast to the situation just a few years ago when the island nation was grappling with the aftermath of high-profile terrorist attacks.
While Sri Lanka and Bhutan stand out for their zero scores, Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the two most affected nations in the region, contributing significantly to South Asia’s overall high terrorism score. The GTI report reveals that Pakistan has seen a sharp increase in both terrorist attacks and fatalities, making it the second most terrorism-affected country globally for the second consecutive year.
Bangladesh and Pakistan were the only countries in the region to experience a decline in their GTI scores in 2024. These countries recorded higher numbers of terrorist incidents and related deaths, contributing to a more difficult security landscape in South Asia.
However, countries like Nepal have also made progress in combating terrorism. Nepal, alongside Sri Lanka, is noted as one of the most improved countries in South Asia, having recorded no terrorist attacks or deaths for the second consecutive year.
The report also highlights that the Sahel region remains the global epicenter of terrorism, accounting for more than half of all terrorism-related deaths worldwide. This region, spanning parts of Africa, faces an escalating wave of extremist activity and political instability, contributing to a disproportionate share of global terrorism incidents.
Despite these troubling developments in regions like the Sahel, the Global Terrorism Index paints a more positive picture for Sri Lanka. Its significant improvement demonstrates that terrorism is a global issue with uneven patterns across different regions. Countries like Sri Lanka have shown that sustained efforts, strong governance, and international cooperation can make a notable difference in reducing terror threats.
