After a decade of decline, Sri Lanka’s suicide rate – once among the highest in the world – is reported to be on the rise once again. It’s too early to tell whether this is a temporary blip or the beginnings of something more serious. But what is known is that the fall in the suicide rate was the result of "means restriction" – chiefly banning the most toxic pesticides – not falling levels of suicide attempts overall. Although Sri Lanka has gained a reputation for progressive agrochemical regulation as a result, the evidence suggests that the number of suicide attempts has actually increased, with suicidal behaviour remaining a leading cause of serious injury and death in the country.
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