Suicide in a northern town of Sri Lanka

Suicide mortality in a northern town of Sri Lanka for the year 1982 is examined. The rate was 53.5 per 100,000 general population and shows an increasing trend amongst the 15-34 age group. The commonest method was self-poisoning by agrochemicals and insecticides of organophosphorus type. Psychiatric diagnosis, social, economic and political factors are presented. Easy availability of dangerous agrochemicals and rapid social and political changes appear to be of equal importance in producing a high rate of suicide.