Sri Lankan health authorities have sounded the alarm over the growing number of individuals engaging in unsafe sexual and drug-related behaviours, warning that the trend could escalate into a serious public health crisis if left unchecked.
According to the National STD/AIDS Control Programme (NSACP), an estimated 127,511 high-risk individuals have been identified across the country, including sex workers, men who have sex with men (MSM), drug users, beach boys, and transgender women.
Health officials estimate that more than 150,000 people may be engaging in behaviours that increase vulnerability to HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Current data indicates that around 6,000 people in Sri Lanka are living with HIV/AIDS, with the majority residing in the Western Province, where urbanisation and tourism-related activities have contributed to higher exposure risks.
Medical experts and public health advocates are urging the government to strengthen sex education, awareness campaigns, and preventive programmes to address the growing threat.
They warn that stigma and limited access to testing and counselling continue to hinder early detection and treatment efforts.
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