Sri Lanka Police have expanded operations of the Sri Lanka Police Marine Division following a noticeable increase in water-related accidents across the island.
Police said 71 lifesaving units have now been established nationwide, with 308 specially trained officers deployed across 31 of the country’s 48 police divisions, focusing on high-risk coastal and inland water areas.
Authorities reported that 151 local tourists and 96 foreign tourists were rescued in 2025 alone. During the first one-and-a-half months of 2026, a further 33 people have been saved.
Despite these efforts, police recorded 595 water-related deaths in 2024. In 2025, 388 fatalities were reported, while 24 deaths have already been recorded so far this year.
Sri Lanka Police urged the public to strictly follow safety guidelines, seek assistance from police lifeguards where available, and avoid entering unsafe or unfamiliar waters, emphasizing that public cooperation is vital to prevent further loss of life.
