By The Pulseline News Desk
At a time when conflict, political instability, and security concerns continue to erode peace across much of the world, Sri Lanka has emerged as one of the brightest success stories in the latest global assessment of peacefulness.
The 20th annual Global Peace Index (GPI) 2026, released by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), shows Sri Lanka recording the largest percentage improvement in peacefulness among South Asian nations. The achievement has propelled the country to 67th place globally, making it the second most peaceful country in South Asia, behind only Bhutan.
The ranking represents a remarkable leap from Sri Lanka’s position in the 2025 index, where it stood at 97th among 163 countries, underscoring a significant turnaround in the country’s peace and security landscape.
A notable improvement
According to the report, Sri Lanka’s overall peace score improved by 2.3 percent during the past year, outperforming many countries that experienced a decline in peacefulness.
The most significant gains were recorded in the Militarisation domain, which improved by 6.4 percent. The country also registered a substantial 40.8 percent improvement in its contribution to United Nations peacekeeping funding, reflecting greater engagement with international peacebuilding efforts.
Meanwhile, the Safety and Security domain improved by 1.8 percent, supported largely by a 25 percent reduction in political instability. Analysts suggest these developments indicate growing institutional stability and a more secure domestic environment following years of economic and political turbulence.
Standing out in a troubled world
Sri Lanka’s progress comes against a backdrop of worsening global conditions.
The 2026 GPI found that global peacefulness declined by an average of 0.7 percent over the past year, marking the 12th consecutive annual deterioration and the 15th decline in the last 18 years.
The report presents a concerning picture of a world increasingly affected by conflict and geopolitical tensions. Of the 163 countries assessed, 99 recorded declines in peacefulness, while only 62 showed improvements. Seven of the world’s eight geographic regions experienced deteriorating peace levels.
Researchers noted that while some indicators incorporated developments up to March 2026, most data were measured through December 2025. As a result, the full impact of the recent conflict involving Iran has yet to be reflected in this year’s rankings.
The defining challenge
The report highlights that conflict continues to be the primary driver behind the long-term decline in global peace. Since the index was first published in 2008, a total of 119 countries has become less peaceful.
Growing geopolitical rivalries, internal conflicts, forced displacement, and security concerns have collectively contributed to the deterioration seen across much of the world. Against this trend, Sri Lanka’s gains stand out as a notable exception.
Observers say the country’s improved ranking reflects progress in restoring stability and strengthening governance following several challenging years marked by economic crisis and political unrest. However, they caution that sustaining these gains will require continued efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, maintain social cohesion, and address underlying economic vulnerabilities.
Positive signal for the future
While international rankings alone do not capture the full complexity of a nation’s social and political environment, Sri Lanka’s rise in the GPI offers a positive signal for investors, tourists, and development partners assessing the country’s trajectory.
As much of the world grapples with increasing instability, Sri Lanka’s improved standing serves as evidence that progress toward peace remains possible, even in an era defined by growing global uncertainty.
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