Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Sri Lanka
ශ්රී ලංකා ප්රජාතාන්ත්රික සමාජවාදී ජනරජය
CapitalSri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Population21,756,000
GDP$108.8bn
Area65,610 km²
RegionSouth Asia
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:11 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
The first Sinhalese arrived in Sri Lanka late in the 6th century B.C., probably from northern India. Buddhism was introduced circa 250 B.C., and the first kingdoms developed at the cities of Anuradhapura (from about 200 B.C. to about A.D. 1000) and Polonnaruwa (from about A.D. 1070 to 1200). In the 14th century, a South Indian dynasty established a Tamil kingdom in northern Sri Lanka. The Portuguese controlled the coastal areas of the island in the 16th century, followed by the Dutch in the 17th century. The island was ceded to the British in 1796, became a crown colony in 1802, and was formally united under British rule by 1815. As Ceylon, it became independent in 1948; the name was changed to Sri Lanka in 1972. Prevailing tensions between the Sinhalese majority and Tamil separatists erupted into war in 1983. Fighting between the government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) continued for over a quarter-century. Although Norway brokered peace negotiations that led to a cease-fire in 2002, the fighting slowly resumed and was again in full force by 2006. The government defeated the LTTE in 2009.
During the post-conflict years under then-President Mahinda RAJAPAKSA, the government initiated infrastructure development projects, many of which were financed by loans from China. His regime faced allegations of human rights violations and a shrinking democratic space for civil society. In 2015, a new coalition government headed by President Maithripala SIRISENA of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and Prime Minister Ranil WICKREMESINGHE of the United National Party came to power with pledges to advance economic, political, and judicial reforms. However, implementation of these reforms was uneven. In 2019, Gotabaya RAJAPAKSA won the presidential election and appointed his brother Mahinda prime minister. Civil society raised concerns about the RAJAPAKSA administration’s commitment to pursuing justice, human rights, and accountability reforms, as well as the risks to foreign creditors that Sri Lanka faced given its ongoing economic crisis. A combination of factors including the COVID-19 pandemic; severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel; and power outages triggered increasingly violent protests in Columbo beginning in 2022. In response, WICKREMESINGHE -- who had already served as prime minister five times -- was named to replace the prime minister, but he became president within a few months when Gotabaya RAJAPAKSA fled the country.
Reference: 2022, 2019, 2015, 2009During the post-conflict years under then-President Mahinda RAJAPAKSA, the government initiated infrastructure development projects, many of which were financed by loans from China. His regime faced allegations of human rights violations and a shrinking democratic space for civil society. In 2015, a new coalition government headed by President Maithripala SIRISENA of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and Prime Minister Ranil WICKREMESINGHE of the United National Party came to power with pledges to advance economic, political, and judicial reforms. However, implementation of these reforms was uneven. In 2019, Gotabaya RAJAPAKSA won the presidential election and appointed his brother Mahinda prime minister. Civil society raised concerns about the RAJAPAKSA administration’s commitment to pursuing justice, human rights, and accountability reforms, as well as the risks to foreign creditors that Sri Lanka faced given its ongoing economic crisis. A combination of factors including the COVID-19 pandemic; severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel; and power outages triggered increasingly violent protests in Columbo beginning in 2022. In response, WICKREMESINGHE -- who had already served as prime minister five times -- was named to replace the prime minister, but he became president within a few months when Gotabaya RAJAPAKSA fled the country.
Geography
Location
Southern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of India
Map references
Asia
Area
total: 65,610 sq km
land: 64,630 sq km
water: 980 sq km
land: 64,630 sq km
water: 980 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly larger than West Virginia
Land boundaries
total: 0 km
Coastline
1,340 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm or to the edge of the continental margin
Climate
tropical monsoon; northeast monsoon (December to March); southwest monsoon (June to October)
Terrain
mostly low, flat to rolling plain; mountains in south-central interior
Elevation
highest point: Pidurutalagala 2,524 m
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 228 m
lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 228 m
Natural resources
limestone, graphite, mineral sands, gems, phosphates, clay, hydropower, arable land
Land use
agricultural land: 48.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 22.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 19.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 7.1% (2023 est.)
forest: 34.4% (2023 est.)
other: 16.7% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 22.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 19.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 7.1% (2023 est.)
forest: 34.4% (2023 est.)
other: 16.7% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
5,700 sq km (2012)
Reference: 2012Population distribution
the population is primarily concentrated within a broad wet zone in the southwest, urban centers along the eastern coast, and on the Jaffna Peninsula in the north
Natural hazards
occasional cyclones and tornadoes
Geography - note
strategic location near major Indian Ocean sea lanes; Adam's Bridge is a chain of limestone shoals between the southeastern coast of India and the northwestern coast of Sri Lanka; geological evidence suggests that this 50-km (31-mi) bridge once connected India and Sri Lanka; ancient records seem to indicate that a foot passage was possible between the two land masses until the 15th century, when the land bridge broke up in a cyclone
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Sri Lankan(s)
adjective: Sri Lankan
adjective: Sri Lankan
Ethnic groups
Sinhalese 74.9%, Sri Lankan Tamil 11.2%, Sri Lankan Moors 9.2%, Indian Tamil 4.2%, other 0.5% (2012 est.)
Reference: 2012Languages
Sinhala (official) 87%, Tamil (official) 28.5%, English 23.8% (2012 est.)
note: note: data represent main languages spoken by the population aged 10 years and older; shares sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census; English is commonly used in government and is referred to as the "link language" in the constitution
Reference: 2012note: note: data represent main languages spoken by the population aged 10 years and older; shares sum to more than 100% because some respondents gave more than one answer on the census; English is commonly used in government and is referred to as the "link language" in the constitution
Religions
Buddhist (official) 70.2%, Hindu 12.6%, Muslim 9.7%, Roman Catholic 6.1%, other Christian 1.3%, other 0.05% (2012 est.)
Reference: 2012Age structure
0-14 years: 22.6% (male 2,537,918/female 2,423,615)
15-64 years: 65% (male 6,954,869/female 7,336,897)
65 years and over: 12.4% (2024 est.) (male 1,149,256/female 1,580,053)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 65% (male 6,954,869/female 7,336,897)
65 years and over: 12.4% (2024 est.) (male 1,149,256/female 1,580,053)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 53.8 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 34.7 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 19.1 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 5.2 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 34.7 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 19.1 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 5.2 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 34.1 years (2024 est.)
male: 32.2 years
female: 35.8 years
Reference: 2024male: 32.2 years
female: 35.8 years
Population growth rate
0.39% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
14.5 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
7.5 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
the population is primarily concentrated within a broad wet zone in the southwest, urban centers along the eastern coast, and on the Jaffna Peninsula in the north
Major urban areas - population
103,000 Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte (legislative capital) (2018), 633,000 COLOMBO (capital) (2023)
Reference: 2023, 2018Sex ratio
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female
total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.73 male(s)/female
total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
25.6 years (2016 est.)
note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 30-34
Reference: 2016note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 30-34
Maternal mortality ratio
18 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
1.04 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: urban: urban: 98.1% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 87.2% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 89.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 1.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 12.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 10.7% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 87.2% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 89.3% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 1.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 12.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 10.7% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 4.1% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 9.5% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 9.5% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
1.14 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Hospital bed density
4 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Sanitation facility access
improved: urban: urban: 97.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural: rural: 99.2% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 2.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 1% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022improved: rural: rural: 99.2% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total: total: 99% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban: urban: 2.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural: rural: 0.8% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 1% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
5.2% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 2.58 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 0.22 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 2.32 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.03 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 0.22 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 2.32 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.03 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 18.2% (2025 est.)
male: 36.3% (2025 est.)
female: 2% (2025 est.)
male: 36.3% (2025 est.)
female: 2% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
17.1% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Currently married women (ages 15-49)
65.1% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Child marriage
women married by age 15: 0.9% (2016)
women married by age 18: 9.8% (2016)
Reference: 2016women married by age 18: 9.8% (2016)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 13 years (2023 est.)
male: 12 years (2023 est.)
female: 14 years (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023male: 12 years (2023 est.)
female: 14 years (2023 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 500 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 5,549 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 229 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 5,549 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 229 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of government | Harini Amarasuriya | — | 2024-09-24 | Current | Reported |
| Head of state | Anura Kurankan Dissanayake | — | 2024-09-23 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
conventional short form: Sri Lanka
local long form: Shri Lanka Prajatantrika Samajavadi Janarajaya (Sinhala)/ Ilankai Jananayaka Choshalichak Kutiyarachu (Tamil)
local short form: Shri Lanka (Sinhala)/ Ilankai (Tamil)
former: Serendib, Ceylon
etymology: the name is composed of the Sanskrit words shri (happiness or holiness) and lanka (island); the former name Serendib was an Arabic derivation of the Sanskrit word simhaladvipa, or "island of the place of lions;" the former name Ceylon came from the Sanskrit simha, or "lion"
conventional short form: Sri Lanka
local long form: Shri Lanka Prajatantrika Samajavadi Janarajaya (Sinhala)/ Ilankai Jananayaka Choshalichak Kutiyarachu (Tamil)
local short form: Shri Lanka (Sinhala)/ Ilankai (Tamil)
former: Serendib, Ceylon
etymology: the name is composed of the Sanskrit words shri (happiness or holiness) and lanka (island); the former name Serendib was an Arabic derivation of the Sanskrit word simhaladvipa, or "island of the place of lions;" the former name Ceylon came from the Sanskrit simha, or "lion"
Capital
name: Colombo (commercial capital); Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte (legislative capital)
geographic coordinates: 6 55 N, 79 50 E
time difference: UTC+5.5 (10.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the origin of Colombo's name is unclear; it may derive from the Sinhalese words kola (leaves) and amba (mango), referring to local mango trees, or from the name Kelantotta, referring to a ferry that crossed the Kelani River; the name was corrupted to Kolambu by Arab traders, and 16th-century Portuguese settlers then called it Colombo, possibly referring to explorer Christopher COLUMBUS; the legislative capital's name, Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, is composed of the Sanskrit honorific sri, the name of Sri Lankan President J.R. JAYEWARDENE, and the Hindi word pura (town)
geographic coordinates: 6 55 N, 79 50 E
time difference: UTC+5.5 (10.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the origin of Colombo's name is unclear; it may derive from the Sinhalese words kola (leaves) and amba (mango), referring to local mango trees, or from the name Kelantotta, referring to a ferry that crossed the Kelani River; the name was corrupted to Kolambu by Arab traders, and 16th-century Portuguese settlers then called it Colombo, possibly referring to explorer Christopher COLUMBUS; the legislative capital's name, Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, is composed of the Sanskrit honorific sri, the name of Sri Lankan President J.R. JAYEWARDENE, and the Hindi word pura (town)
Administrative divisions
9 provinces; Central, Eastern, North Central, Northern, North Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Uva, Western
Legal system
mixed system of Roman-Dutch civil law, English common law, Jaffna Tamil customary law, and Muslim personal law
Constitution
history: several previous; latest adopted 16 August 1978, certified 31 August 1978
amendment process: proposed by Parliament; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of its total membership, certification by the president of the republic or the Parliament speaker, and in some cases approval in a referendum by absolute majority of valid votes
Reference: 1978amendment process: proposed by Parliament; passage requires at least two-thirds majority vote of its total membership, certification by the president of the republic or the Parliament speaker, and in some cases approval in a referendum by absolute majority of valid votes
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Sri Lanka
dual citizenship recognized: no, except in cases where the government rules it is to the benefit of Sri Lanka
residency requirement for naturalization: 7 years
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Sri Lanka
dual citizenship recognized: no, except in cases where the government rules it is to the benefit of Sri Lanka
residency requirement for naturalization: 7 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: President Anura Kumara DISSANAYAKE (since 23 September 2024)
head of government: Prime Minister Harini AMARASURIYA (since 24 September 2024)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president in consultation with the prime minister
election/appointment process: president directly elected by preferential majority popular vote for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); prime minister appointed by the president
most recent election date: 21 September 2024
election results: 2024: Anura Kumara DISSANAYAKE elected president; percent of vote after reallocation - Anura Kumara DISSANAYAKE (JVP) 55.9%, Sajith PREMADASA (SJB) 44.1%
2022: Ranil WICKREMESINGHE elected president by Parliament on 20 July 2022; Parliament vote - WICKREMESINGHE (UNP) 134, Dullas ALAHAPPERUMA (SLPP) 82
expected date of next election: 2029
Reference: 2029, 2024, 2022head of government: Prime Minister Harini AMARASURIYA (since 24 September 2024)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president in consultation with the prime minister
election/appointment process: president directly elected by preferential majority popular vote for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); prime minister appointed by the president
most recent election date: 21 September 2024
election results: 2024: Anura Kumara DISSANAYAKE elected president; percent of vote after reallocation - Anura Kumara DISSANAYAKE (JVP) 55.9%, Sajith PREMADASA (SJB) 44.1%
2022: Ranil WICKREMESINGHE elected president by Parliament on 20 July 2022; Parliament vote - WICKREMESINGHE (UNP) 134, Dullas ALAHAPPERUMA (SLPP) 82
expected date of next election: 2029
Legislative branch
legislature name: Parliament
legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 225 (196 directly elected; 29 indirectly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 11/14/2024
parties elected and seats per party: National People's Power (Jathika Jana Balawegaya, NPP) (159); Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) (40); Other (26)
percentage of women in chamber: 9.8%
expected date of next election: November 2029
Reference: 2029, 2024legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 225 (196 directly elected; 29 indirectly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 11/14/2024
parties elected and seats per party: National People's Power (Jathika Jana Balawegaya, NPP) (159); Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) (40); Other (26)
percentage of women in chamber: 9.8%
expected date of next election: November 2029
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court of the Republic (consists of the chief justice and 9 justices); has exclusive jurisdiction to review legislation
judge selection and term of office: chief justice nominated by the Constitutional Council (CC), a 9-member high-level advisory body, and appointed by the president; other justices nominated by the CC and appointed by the president on the advice of the chief justice; all justices can serve until age 65
subordinate courts: Court of Appeals; High Courts; Magistrates' Courts; municipal and primary courts
judge selection and term of office: chief justice nominated by the Constitutional Council (CC), a 9-member high-level advisory body, and appointed by the president; other justices nominated by the CC and appointed by the president on the advice of the chief justice; all justices can serve until age 65
subordinate courts: Court of Appeals; High Courts; Magistrates' Courts; municipal and primary courts
Political parties
Crusaders for Democracy or CFD
Eelam People's Democratic Party or EPDP
Eelam People's Revolutionary Liberation Front or EPRLF
Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi or ITAK
Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna or JVP
Jathika Hela Urumaya or JHU
National People's Power or NPP (also known as Jathika Jana Balawegaya or JJB)
People's Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam or PLOTE
Samagi Jana Balawegaya or SJB
Sri Lanka Freedom Party or SLFP
Sri Lanka Muslim Congress or SLMC
Sri Lanka People's Freedom Alliance or SLPFA (includes SLPFP, SLPP, and several smaller parties)
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (Sri Lanka's People's Front) or SLPP
Tamil Eelam Liberation Organization or TELO
Tamil National Alliance or TNA (includes ITAK, PLOTE, TELO)
Tamil National People's Front or TNPF
Tamil People's National Alliance or TPNA
United National Front for Good Governance or UNFGG (coalition includes JHU, UNP)
United National Party or UNP
Eelam People's Democratic Party or EPDP
Eelam People's Revolutionary Liberation Front or EPRLF
Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi or ITAK
Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna or JVP
Jathika Hela Urumaya or JHU
National People's Power or NPP (also known as Jathika Jana Balawegaya or JJB)
People's Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam or PLOTE
Samagi Jana Balawegaya or SJB
Sri Lanka Freedom Party or SLFP
Sri Lanka Muslim Congress or SLMC
Sri Lanka People's Freedom Alliance or SLPFA (includes SLPFP, SLPP, and several smaller parties)
Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (Sri Lanka's People's Front) or SLPP
Tamil Eelam Liberation Organization or TELO
Tamil National Alliance or TNA (includes ITAK, PLOTE, TELO)
Tamil National People's Front or TNPF
Tamil People's National Alliance or TPNA
United National Front for Good Governance or UNFGG (coalition includes JHU, UNP)
United National Party or UNP
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Mahinda SAMARASINGHE (since 13 January 2022)
chancery: 3025 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 483-4025
FAX: [1] 202-232-2329
email address and website: slemb.washington@mfa.gov.lk
https://slembassyusa.org/
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles
consulate(s): New York
Reference: 2022chancery: 3025 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 483-4025
FAX: [1] 202-232-2329
email address and website: slemb.washington@mfa.gov.lk
https://slembassyusa.org/
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles
consulate(s): New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Julie J. CHUNG (since 17 February 2022)
embassy: 210 Galle Road, Colombo 03
mailing address: 6100 Colombo Place, Washington DC 20521-6100
telephone: [94] (11) 249-8500
FAX: [94] (11) 243-7345
email address and website: colomboacs@state.gov
https://lk.usembassy.gov/
Reference: 2022embassy: 210 Galle Road, Colombo 03
mailing address: 6100 Colombo Place, Washington DC 20521-6100
telephone: [94] (11) 249-8500
FAX: [94] (11) 243-7345
email address and website: colomboacs@state.gov
https://lk.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ABEDA, ADB, ARF, BIMSTEC, C, CD, CICA (observer), CP, FAO, G-11, G-15, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OPCW, PCA, SAARC, SACEP, SCO (dialogue member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNISFA, UNMISS, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
4 February 1948 (from the UK)
Reference: 1948National holiday
Independence Day (National Day), 4 February (1948)
Reference: 1948Flag
description: yellow with two panels; the smaller panel on the left has two equal vertical bands of green (left side) and orange; the larger panel has a yellow lion holding a sword on a maroon field, with a yellow bo leaf in each corner
meaning: the sword stands for national sovereignty; the lion for Sinhalese ethnicity, the strength of the nation, and bravery; the four bo leaves for Buddhism and the four virtues of kindness, friendliness, happiness, and equanimity; orange stands for Tamils, green for Moors, and maroon for the Sinhalese majority; yellow represents other ethnic groups
note: note: the banner is sometimes referred to as the Lion Flag
meaning: the sword stands for national sovereignty; the lion for Sinhalese ethnicity, the strength of the nation, and bravery; the four bo leaves for Buddhism and the four virtues of kindness, friendliness, happiness, and equanimity; orange stands for Tamils, green for Moors, and maroon for the Sinhalese majority; yellow represents other ethnic groups
note: note: the banner is sometimes referred to as the Lion Flag
National symbol(s)
lion, water lily
National color(s)
maroon, yellow
National anthem(s)
title: "Sri Lanka Matha" (Mother Sri Lanka)
lyrics/music: Ananda SAMARKONE (Sinhala),M. NALLATHAMBY (Tamil)/Ananda SAMARKONE
history: adopted 1951
Reference: 1951lyrics/music: Ananda SAMARKONE (Sinhala),M. NALLATHAMBY (Tamil)/Ananda SAMARKONE
history: adopted 1951
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 8 (6 cultural, 2 natural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Ancient City of Polonnaruwa (c); Ancient City of Sigiriya (c); Sacred City of Anuradhapura (c); Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications (c); Sacred City of Kandy (c); Sinharaja Forest Reserve (n); Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple (c); Central Highlands of Sri Lanka (n)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Ancient City of Polonnaruwa (c); Ancient City of Sigiriya (c); Sacred City of Anuradhapura (c); Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications (c); Sacred City of Kandy (c); Sinharaja Forest Reserve (n); Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple (c); Central Highlands of Sri Lanka (n)
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parliament of Sri Lanka | — | 225 | — |
Economy
Economic overview
economic contraction in 2022-23 marked by increased poverty and significant inflation; IMF two-year debt relief program following 2022 sovereign default; structural challenges from non-diversified economy and rigid labor laws; heavy dependence on tourism receipts and remittances
Reference: 2022Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $301.407 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $287.031 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $293.878 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $287.031 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $293.878 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $13,800 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $13,000 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $13,200 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $13,000 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $13,200 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 8.3% (2024 est.)
industry: 25.5% (2024 est.)
services: 57.5% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 25.5% (2024 est.)
services: 57.5% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 68.7% (2024 est.)
government consumption: 7% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 18.8% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: 8.2% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 19.9% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -22.5% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2024government consumption: 7% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 18.8% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories: 8.2% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services: 19.9% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services: -22.5% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
rice, coconuts, tea, sugarcane, plantains, milk, fiber crops, cassava, chicken, pumpkins/squash (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
processing of rubber, tea, coconuts, tobacco and other agricultural commodities; tourism; clothing and textiles; mining
Industrial production growth rate
11% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
8.499 million (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 22.3% (2024 est.)
male: 18.4% (2024 est.)
female: 29.6% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 18.4% (2024 est.)
female: 29.6% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
14.3% (2019 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2019note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2019: 37.7 (2019 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2019note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Average household expenditures
on food: 27.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 3.4% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023on alcohol and tobacco: 3.4% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 3.1% (2019 est.)
highest 10%: 30.8% (2019 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2019highest 10%: 30.8% (2019 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Remittances
Remittances 2023: 7.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 5.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 6.2% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Remittances 2022: 5.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 6.2% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $9.387 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $17.144 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2023expenditures: $17.144 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2017: 79.1% of GDP (2017 est.)
note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Reference: 2017note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
9.9% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2023note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2023: $1.559 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$1.448 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$3.284 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Current account balance 2022: -$1.448 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$3.284 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2023: $17.327 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $16.169 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $14.974 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Exports 2022: $16.169 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $14.974 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
USA 22%, India 7%, Germany 7%, UK 7%, Italy 5% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
garments, tea, precious stones, used rubber tires, rubber products (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2023: $18.823 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $19.244 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $21.526 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Imports 2022: $19.244 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $21.526 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
India 21%, China 19%, UAE 10%, Singapore 5%, Malaysia 4% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, fabric, crude petroleum, packaged medicine, cotton fabric (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $6.094 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $4.405 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $1.896 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $4.405 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $1.896 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $42.198 billion (2023 est.)
note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: Sri Lankan rupees (LKR) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2023: 327.507 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 322.633 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 198.764 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 185.593 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates 2019: 178.745 (2019 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020Exchange rates 2023: 327.507 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 322.633 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 198.764 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 185.593 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates 2019: 178.745 (2019 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2023: $1.559 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$1.448 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$3.284 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Current account balance 2022: -$1.448 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2021: -$3.284 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2023: $17.327 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $16.169 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $14.974 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Exports 2022: $16.169 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2021: $14.974 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
USA 22%, India 7%, Germany 7%, UK 7%, Italy 5% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
garments, tea, precious stones, used rubber tires, rubber products (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2023: $18.823 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $19.244 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $21.526 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Imports 2022: $19.244 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2021: $21.526 billion (2021 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
India 21%, China 19%, UAE 10%, Singapore 5%, Malaysia 4% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, fabric, crude petroleum, packaged medicine, cotton fabric (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 5.326 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 15.763 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 1.457 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 15.763 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 1.457 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 49.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 4.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 4.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 40.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 4.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 4.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 40.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
consumption: 2.323 million metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 2.238 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023imports: 2.238 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption: 100,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 12.372 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 1.707 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 7 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 7 (2023 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
18 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 4.1% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 9.5% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 9.5% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
1.14 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Hospital bed density
4 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Obesity - adult prevalence rate
5.2% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 18.2% (2025 est.)
male: 36.3% (2025 est.)
female: 2% (2025 est.)
male: 36.3% (2025 est.)
female: 2% (2025 est.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 13 years (2023 est.)
male: 12 years (2023 est.)
female: 14 years (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023male: 12 years (2023 est.)
female: 14 years (2023 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
mixed system of Roman-Dutch civil law, English common law, Jaffna Tamil customary law, and Muslim personal law
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court of the Republic (consists of the chief justice and 9 justices); has exclusive jurisdiction to review legislation
judge selection and term of office: chief justice nominated by the Constitutional Council (CC), a 9-member high-level advisory body, and appointed by the president; other justices nominated by the CC and appointed by the president on the advice of the chief justice; all justices can serve until age 65
subordinate courts: Court of Appeals; High Courts; Magistrates' Courts; municipal and primary courts
judge selection and term of office: chief justice nominated by the Constitutional Council (CC), a 9-member high-level advisory body, and appointed by the president; other justices nominated by the CC and appointed by the president on the advice of the chief justice; all justices can serve until age 65
subordinate courts: Court of Appeals; High Courts; Magistrates' Courts; municipal and primary courts
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Sri Lanka Armed Forces: Sri Lanka Army (includes National Guard and the Volunteer Force), Sri Lanka Navy (includes Marine Corps), Sri Lanka Air Force, Sri Lanka Coast Guard; Civil Security Department (Home Guard)
Ministry of Public Security: Sri Lanka Police (2025)
note: note: the Civil Security Department, also known as the Civil Defense Force, is an auxiliary force administered by the Ministry of Defense
Ministry of Public Security: Sri Lanka Police (2025)
note: note: the Civil Security Department, also known as the Civil Defense Force, is an auxiliary force administered by the Ministry of Defense
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 1.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.9% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 2% of GDP (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military Expenditures 2023: 1.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 1.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 1.9% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 2% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
estimated 210,000 active Armed Forces (140,000 Army; 25,000 Air Force; 45,000 Navy) (2025)
note: note: the Sri Lankan military has been downsizing for several years; in 2025, the Sri Lankan Government announced its intent to decrease the size of the Army to 100,000, the Air Force to 18,000, and the Navy to 40,000 by 2030
Reference: 2030, 2025note: note: the Sri Lankan military has been downsizing for several years; in 2025, the Sri Lankan Government announced its intent to decrease the size of the Army to 100,000, the Air Force to 18,000, and the Navy to 40,000 by 2030
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military's inventory consists mostly of Chinese- and Russian-origin equipment with a smaller mix of material from countries such as India and the US, including donations; defense acquisitions have been limited over the past decade (2024)
Reference: 2024Military service age and obligation
18-22 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; no conscription (2023)
Reference: 2023Military deployments
110 Central African Republic (MINUSCA); 125 Lebanon (UNIFIL); 240 Mali (MINUSMA) (2024)
Reference: 2024Military - note
the military of Sri Lanka is responsible for external defense, maritime security, and maintaining internal security; it has sent small numbers of personnel on UN peacekeeping missions; from 1983 to 2009, the military fought against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a conflict that involved both guerrilla and conventional warfare, as well as acts of terrorism and human rights abuses, and cost the military nearly 30,000 killed; since the end of the war, a large portion of the Army reportedly remains deployed in the majority Tamil-populated northern and eastern provinces; the military over the past decade also has increased its role in a range of commercial sectors including agriculture, hotels, leisure, and restaurants
Sri Lanka traditionally has had close security ties to India; the Sri Lankan and Indian militaries conduct exercises together, and India trains approximately 1,000 Sri Lankan soldiers per year; in recent years, Sri Lanka has increased military ties with China, including acquiring military equipment, hosting naval port calls, and sending personnel to China for training (2025)
Reference: 2025, 2009, 1983Sri Lanka traditionally has had close security ties to India; the Sri Lankan and Indian militaries conduct exercises together, and India trains approximately 1,000 Sri Lankan soldiers per year; in recent years, Sri Lanka has increased military ties with China, including acquiring military equipment, hosting naval port calls, and sending personnel to China for training (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Mahinda SAMARASINGHE (since 13 January 2022)
chancery: 3025 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 483-4025
FAX: [1] 202-232-2329
email address and website: slemb.washington@mfa.gov.lk
https://slembassyusa.org/
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles
consulate(s): New York
Reference: 2022chancery: 3025 Whitehaven Street NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 483-4025
FAX: [1] 202-232-2329
email address and website: slemb.washington@mfa.gov.lk
https://slembassyusa.org/
consulate(s) general: Los Angeles
consulate(s): New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Julie J. CHUNG (since 17 February 2022)
embassy: 210 Galle Road, Colombo 03
mailing address: 6100 Colombo Place, Washington DC 20521-6100
telephone: [94] (11) 249-8500
FAX: [94] (11) 243-7345
email address and website: colomboacs@state.gov
https://lk.usembassy.gov/
Reference: 2022embassy: 210 Galle Road, Colombo 03
mailing address: 6100 Colombo Place, Washington DC 20521-6100
telephone: [94] (11) 249-8500
FAX: [94] (11) 243-7345
email address and website: colomboacs@state.gov
https://lk.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ABEDA, ADB, ARF, BIMSTEC, C, CD, CICA (observer), CP, FAO, G-11, G-15, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OPCW, PCA, SAARC, SACEP, SCO (dialogue member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNISFA, UNMISS, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth of Nations (Commonwealth) | member | 1948-00-00 |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1955-12-14 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | 1995-01-01 |
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
International organization participation
ABEDA, ADB, ARF, BIMSTEC, C, CD, CICA (observer), CP, FAO, G-11, G-15, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, MINURSO, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM, OAS (observer), OPCW, PCA, SAARC, SACEP, SCO (dialogue member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNISFA, UNMISS, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 500 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 5,549 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 229 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 5,549 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 229 (2024 est.)
Terrorist group(s)
Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS); Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
note: note: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
4R
Airports
18 (2025)
Heliports
1 (2025)
Railways
total: 1,562 km (2016)
broad gauge: 1,562 km (2016) 1.676-m gauge
Reference: 2016broad gauge: 1,562 km (2016) 1.676-m gauge
Merchant marine
total: 96 (2023)
by type: bulk carrier 5, general cargo 15, oil tanker 11, other 65
Reference: 2023by type: bulk carrier 5, general cargo 15, oil tanker 11, other 65
Ports
total ports: 6 (2024)
large: 0
medium: 2
small: 1
very small: 1
size unknown: 2
ports with oil terminals: 2
key ports: Batticaloa Roads, Colombo, Galle Harbor, Hambantota, Kankesanturai, Trincomalee Harbor
Reference: 2024large: 0
medium: 2
small: 1
very small: 1
size unknown: 2
ports with oil terminals: 2
key ports: Batticaloa Roads, Colombo, Galle Harbor, Hambantota, Kankesanturai, Trincomalee Harbor
Environment
Environmental issues
deforestation; soil erosion; poaching; effects of urbanization; coastal degradation from mining activities and pollution; coral reef destruction; freshwater resources polluted by industrial wastes and sewage runoff; waste disposal; air pollution in Colombo
International environmental agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Marine Life Conservation
signed, but not ratified: Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Marine Life Conservation
Climate
tropical monsoon; northeast monsoon (December to March); southwest monsoon (June to October)
Land use
agricultural land: 48.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 22.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 19.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 7.1% (2023 est.)
forest: 34.4% (2023 est.)
other: 16.7% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 22.2% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 19.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 7.1% (2023 est.)
forest: 34.4% (2023 est.)
other: 16.7% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 19.2% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 1.22% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 1.22% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 19.153 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: 5.15 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 14.003 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: 5.15 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 14.003 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
24.8 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 2.632 million tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 24.5% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 24.5% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 805 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial: 831 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 11.31 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022industrial: 831 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 11.31 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
52.8 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 1.707 million (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 7 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 7 (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
government operates 5 TV channels and 19 radio channels; multi-channel satellite and cable TV subscription services available; 25 private TV stations and about 43 radio stations; 6 non-profit TV stations and 4 radio stations
Internet country code
.lk
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 21,209,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 21,453,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 21,670,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 21,803,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 21,919,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 22,156,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 22,181,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 22,037,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 21,916,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 21,756,000 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $88,000,210,878 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $94,369,350,439 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $94,450,015,983 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $88,998,706,178 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $84,335,574,372 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $88,556,699,052 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $74,143,020,304 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $84,080,307,356 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $99,616,111,266 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $108,825,231,671 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 40,254 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 40,698 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 843,476 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 721,651 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 786,520 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 910,507 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 1,108,466 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 1,246,445 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 1,409,777 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 1,492,103 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | -18,388 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | -22,324 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | -28,607 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | -28,426 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | -29,875 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | -29,586 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | -27,435 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | -28,011 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -27,245 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -30,724 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 21,756,000 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 23,348,315 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 21,444,000 | 2017 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 40,698 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 0.2% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 1,492,103 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -30,724 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees hosted | 224 | 2010 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Asylum seekers hosted | 134 | 2010 | UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 148,369 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 33,564 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.871 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 1.961 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 2.776 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 0.831 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 1.703 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 1.250 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 1.873 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | No No Illegal since 1885; Penalty: Up to 10 years imprisonment with fines. (Ruled unenforceable by the Supreme Court) Legalization proposed | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | Yes Yes Bans some anti-gay discrimination | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | Yes Yes Transgender people allowed to change legal gender without surgery | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $108,825,231,671 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $5,002 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 5.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | -4.8% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 4.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Upper middle income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 77.7 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 2.0 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 20.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 54.6% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 19.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 22.8% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 41.8% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 92.7% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 88.0% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 1.8% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 100.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 644 kWh/person | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 48.8% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 3.7% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 5.2 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 34.0% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 132.5 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 8.5 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 449 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 6.9215° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 79.8528° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 7.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 81.0000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC+05:30, Asia/Colombo | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | republic | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- UNHCR Refugee Population Statistics Database. Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 4.0 except where a dataset identifies a different source or licence. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:10:32