Health authorities in Sri Lanka have raised concerns over a notable increase in HIV infections among individuals aged 15 to 29, identifying it as a worrying public health trend.
According to officials, the highest number of cases has been reported from the Colombo and Gampaha districts.
HIV, one of the most serious sexually transmitted infections globally, attacks the body’s immune system and weakens its ability to fight diseases. Health experts warn that even minor illnesses, such as a cough or cold, can become life-threatening for HIV-positive individuals.
Authorities have identified three main modes of HIV transmission:
- Sexual contact with an infected person – The virus is spread through sexual fluids, not through kissing. Unprotected anal intercourse is considered one of the highest-risk behaviors for HIV transmission. Once the virus enters the body, it can spread systemically within about 72 hours.
- Shared use of injection needles – Using the same needle for injecting drugs or other substances significantly increases the risk of infection.
- Mother-to-child transmission – HIV can be passed from an infected mother to her baby, particularly through breast milk, if the mother is not undergoing antiretroviral treatment (ART).
Sri Lanka received World Health Organization (WHO) certification in 2019 for successfully minimizing mother-to-child transmission, marking a significant achievement in national HIV prevention efforts.
Rising Case Numbers
Official data show a steady increase in reported HIV cases in Sri Lanka:
- 2021 – 411 cases
- 2022 – 607 cases
- 2023 – 697 cases
- 2024 – 824 cases
Most infections were among males, with a reported male-to-female ratio of 7:1. As of March 2024, the total number of HIV-positive individuals in Sri Lanka reached 6,740, according to the Ministry of Health.
Although Sri Lanka remains a low-prevalence country for HIV, experts warn that the surge in cases, particularly among young people, requires urgent intervention through education, awareness, and preventive measures.
Testing and Support Services
The National STD/AIDS Control Programme (NSACP) offers free and confidential HIV testing and treatment services across the country. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is available at 41 STD clinics nationwide.
Individuals can also access support through the NSACP hotline (+94 703 733 933) or use the “KNOW FOR SURE” mobile app, which provides information on HIV and related health services. Self-test kits that use oral fluid for detection are also available for private testing.
Need for Early Education
Health experts emphasize the importance of introducing HIV awareness and prevention education at the school level, noting that even adolescents are increasingly vulnerable to infection. Early education, they say, is crucial to curbing the spread of HIV and fostering a well-informed, health-conscious society.
