http://www.colombopage.com/archive_21A/Jul24_1627137929CH.php

July 24, Colombo: Every year about 800 Sri Lankans die due to drowning and it is the second cause for unintentional injury deaths, according to the Ministry of Health.

Samitha Siritunga, Consultant Community Physician and National Programme Manager- Injury Prevention and Management of the Directorate of Non-Communicable Diseases of Ministry of Health said most of the drowning victims are belonged to the age group of 21-60 years which is the economically productive group.

In a message to mark the World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25, the health official said human behavior has been identified as a key risk factor for occurrence of drowning.

She said including a water safety culture within the country is crucial and, it is necessary to educate the public on water safety, establish barriers, improve swim skills, rescue and resuscitation training etc. Further, it is needed to identify new laws and regulations to improve the water safety in the country.