Sri Lanka has been awarded a special accolade at Future Policy Award 2021, in recognition of the policies and laws adopted to regulate highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) and to reduce the suicide rate in the country. The WFC stated: “Sri Lanka had one of the world’s highest suicide rates, and pesticide poisoning accounted for more than two thirds of all cases. The country’s suicide rate has been reduced by 70 percent, particularly in rural villages and among children and youth. Whilst at the same time, Sri Lanka has maintained its agricultural productivity. Internationally, the Sri Lankan experience recommends the banning of HHPs as one of the most cost-effective approaches for suicide prevention.”

Source: The Nation July 03, 2021 18:22 UTC