Sri Lanka
South AsiaCE December 22, 2025
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.
Geographic coordinates
7 00 N, 81 00 E
Natural hazards
occasional cyclones and tornadoes
Area - comparative
slightly larger than West Virginia
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)
Coastline
1,340 km
Land boundaries
Total: 0 km
Land use
Agricultural land: 48.6% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 22.2% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 19.3% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 7.1% (2023 est.)
Forest: 34.4% (2023 est.)
Other: 16.7% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 22.2% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 19.3% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 7.1% (2023 est.)
Forest: 34.4% (2023 est.)
Other: 16.7% (2023 est.)
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
Natural resources
limestone, graphite, mineral sands, gems, phosphates, clay, hydropower, arable land
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
Terrain
mostly low, flat to rolling plain; mountains in south-central interior
Location
Southern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of India
Map references
Asia
Irrigated land
5,700 sq km (2012)
Total renewable water resources
52.8 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Population 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
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
Area
Total : 65,610 sq km
Land: 64,630 sq km
Water: 980 sq km
Land: 64,630 sq km
Water: 980 sq km
Age 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)
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)
Sex 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.)
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.)
Literacy
Total population: 92.7% (2023 est.)
Male: 93.4% (2023 est.)
Female: 92% (2023 est.)
Male: 93.4% (2023 est.)
Female: 92% (2023 est.)
Nationality
Noun: Sri Lankan(s)
Adjective: Sri Lankan
Adjective: Sri Lankan
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
Total: 13 years (2023 est.)
Male: 12 years (2023 est.)
Female: 14 years (2023 est.)
Male: 12 years (2023 est.)
Female: 14 years (2023 est.)
Urbanization
Urban population: 19.2% of total population (2023)
Rate of urbanization: 1.22% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Rate of urbanization: 1.22% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Drinking water source
Improved:
Urban: 98.1% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 87.2% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 89.3% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 1.9% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 12.8% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 10.7% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 98.1% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 87.2% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 89.3% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 1.9% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 12.8% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 10.7% of population (2022 est.)
Major urban areas - population
103,000 Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte (legislative capital) (2018), 633,000 COLOMBO (capital) (2023)
Physician density
1.14 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Hospital bed density
4 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
25.6 years (2016 est.)
Note: Data represents median age at first birth among women 30-34
Note: Data represents median age at first birth among women 30-34
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.)
Youth dependency ratio: 34.7 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 19.1 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 5.2 (2024 est.)
Sanitation facility access
Improved:
Urban: 97.9% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 99.2% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 99% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 2.1% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 0.8% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 1% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 97.9% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 99.2% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 99% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 2.1% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 0.8% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 1% of population (2022 est.)
Ethnic groups
Sinhalese 74.9%, Sri Lankan Tamil 11.2%, Sri Lankan Moors 9.2%, Indian Tamil 4.2%, other 0.5% (2012 est.)
Religions
Buddhist (official) 70.2%, Hindu 12.6%, Muslim 9.7%, Roman Catholic 6.1%, other Christian 1.3%, other 0.05% (2012 est.)
Languages
Sinhala (official) 87%, Tamil (official) 28.5%, English 23.8% (2012 est.)
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
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
Health expenditure
4.1% of GDP (2021)
9.5% of national budget (2022 est.)
9.5% of national budget (2022 est.)
Child marriage
Women married by age 15: 0.9% (2016)
Women married by age 18: 9.8% (2016)
Women married by age 18: 9.8% (2016)
Gross reproduction rate
1.04 (2024 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
66.3% (2016 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
Total: 22.3% (2024 est.)
Male: 18.4% (2024 est.)
Female: 29.6% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Male: 18.4% (2024 est.)
Female: 29.6% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Net migration rate
-3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Median age
Total: 34.1 years (2024 est.)
Male: 32.2 years
Female: 35.8 years
Male: 32.2 years
Female: 35.8 years
Maternal mortality ratio
18 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Total fertility rate
2.13 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Population
Total: 21,982,608 (2024 est.)
Male: 10,642,043
Female: 11,340,565
Male: 10,642,043
Female: 11,340,565
Infant mortality rate
Total: 6.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
Male: 7.5 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 6.1 deaths/1,000 live births
Male: 7.5 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 6.1 deaths/1,000 live births
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.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
5.2% (2016)
Death rate
7.5 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Birth rate
14.5 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
17.1% (2024 est.)
Alcohol 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.)
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.)
Life expectancy at birth
Total population: 76.8 years (2024 est.)
Male: 73.7 years
Female: 79.9 years
Male: 73.7 years
Female: 79.9 years
Education expenditure
1.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
7.2% national budget (2024 est.)
7.2% national budget (2024 est.)
Population growth rate
0.39% (2024 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.)
Industrial: 831 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Agricultural: 11.31 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Waste and recycling
Municipal solid waste generated annually: 2.632 million tons (2024 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 24.5% (2022 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 24.5% (2022 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
24.8 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Carbon dioxide 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.)
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.)
Energy consumption per capita
12.372 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
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/
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/
Administrative divisions
9 provinces; Central, Eastern, North Central, Northern, North Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Uva, Western
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)
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
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
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
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
Flag
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: 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: The banner is sometimes referred to as the Lion Flag
Independence
4 February 1948 (from the UK)
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
Legal system
mixed system of Roman-Dutch civil law, English common law, Jaffna Tamil customary law, and Muslim personal law
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
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
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, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
National holiday
Independence Day (National Day), 4 February (1948)
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
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Government type
presidential republic
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"
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
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
National anthem(s)
Title: "Sri Lanka Matha" (Mother Sri Lanka)
Lyrics/music: Ananda SAMARKONE (Sinhala),M. NALLATHAMBY (Tamil)/Ananda SAMARKONE
History: Adopted 1951
Lyrics/music: Ananda SAMARKONE (Sinhala),M. NALLATHAMBY (Tamil)/Ananda SAMARKONE
History: Adopted 1951
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
National symbol(s)
lion, water lily
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
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)
National color(s)
maroon, yellow
Population below poverty line
14.3% (2019 est.)
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Household income or consumption by percentage share
Lowest 10%: 3.1% (2019 est.)
Highest 10%: 30.8% (2019 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Highest 10%: 30.8% (2019 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Exports - commodities
garments, tea, precious stones, used rubber tires, rubber products (2023)
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Exports - partners
USA 22%, India 7%, Germany 7%, UK 7%, Italy 5% (2023)
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Agricultural products
rice, coconuts, tea, sugarcane, plantains, milk, fiber crops, cassava, chicken, pumpkins/squash (2023)
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Budget
Revenues: $9.387 billion (2023 est.)
Expenditures: $17.144 billion (2023 est.)
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
Expenditures: $17.144 billion (2023 est.)
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
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, fabric, crude petroleum, packaged medicine, cotton fabric (2023)
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Exchange rates
Sri Lankan rupees (LKR) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
327.507 (2023 est.)
322.633 (2022 est.)
198.764 (2021 est.)
185.593 (2020 est.)
178.745 (2019 est.)
Exchange rates:
327.507 (2023 est.)
322.633 (2022 est.)
198.764 (2021 est.)
185.593 (2020 est.)
178.745 (2019 est.)
Industries
processing of rubber, tea, coconuts, tobacco and other agricultural commodities; tourism; clothing and textiles; mining
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
GDP (official exchange rate)
$98.963 billion (2024 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
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: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
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: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Imports - partners
India 21%, China 19%, UAE 10%, Singapore 5%, Malaysia 4% (2023)
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Average household expenditures
On food: 27.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
On alcohol and tobacco: 3.4% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
On alcohol and tobacco: 3.4% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Remittances
7.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
5.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
6.2% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
5.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
6.2% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Labor force
8.499 million (2024 est.)
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Debt - external
$42.198 billion (2023 est.)
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$6.094 billion (2024 est.)
$4.405 billion (2023 est.)
$1.896 billion (2022 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
$4.405 billion (2023 est.)
$1.896 billion (2022 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Public debt
79.1% of GDP (2017 est.)
note: central government debt as a % of GDP
note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Unemployment rate
5% (2024 est.)
6% (2023 est.)
4.6% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
6% (2023 est.)
4.6% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Taxes and other revenues
9.9% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$301.407 billion (2024 est.)
$287.031 billion (2023 est.)
$293.878 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$287.031 billion (2023 est.)
$293.878 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
-0.4% (2024 est.)
16.5% (2023 est.)
49.7% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
16.5% (2023 est.)
49.7% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Current account balance
$1.559 billion (2023 est.)
-$1.448 billion (2022 est.)
-$3.284 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
-$1.448 billion (2022 est.)
-$3.284 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Real GDP per capita
$13,800 (2024 est.)
$13,000 (2023 est.)
$13,200 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$13,000 (2023 est.)
$13,200 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Imports
$18.823 billion (2023 est.)
$19.244 billion (2022 est.)
$21.526 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
$19.244 billion (2022 est.)
$21.526 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports
$17.327 billion (2023 est.)
$16.169 billion (2022 est.)
$14.974 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
$16.169 billion (2022 est.)
$14.974 billion (2021 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Real GDP growth rate
5% (2024 est.)
-2.3% (2023 est.)
-7.3% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
-2.3% (2023 est.)
-7.3% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Industrial production growth rate
11% (2024 est.)
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
Agriculture: 8.3% (2024 est.)
Industry: 25.5% (2024 est.)
Services: 57.5% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Industry: 25.5% (2024 est.)
Services: 57.5% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Electricity access
Electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)
Coal
Consumption: 2.323 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Imports: 2.238 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Imports: 2.238 million metric tons (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.)
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.)
Petroleum
Refined petroleum consumption: 100,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
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.)
Consumption: 15.763 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 1.457 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Internet users
Percent of population: 51% (2023 est.)
Internet country code
.lk
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
Telephones - mobile cellular
Total subscriptions: 30 million (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 143 (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 143 (2022 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
Total: 2.01 million (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 9 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 9 (2023 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines
Total subscriptions: 1.707 million (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 7 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 7 (2023 est.)
Railways
Total: 1,562 km (2016)
Broad gauge: 1,562 km (2016) 1.676-m gauge
Broad gauge: 1,562 km (2016) 1.676-m gauge
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
4R
Airports
18 (2025)
Merchant marine
Total: 96 (2023)
By type: Bulk carrier 5, general cargo 15, oil tanker 11, other 65
By type: Bulk carrier 5, general cargo 15, oil tanker 11, other 65
Heliports
1 (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18-22 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; no conscription (2023)
Military expenditures
1.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
1.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
1.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
1.9% of GDP (2021 est.)
2% of GDP (2020 est.)
1.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
1.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
1.9% of GDP (2021 est.)
2% of GDP (2020 est.)
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: 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: The Civil Security Department, also known as the Civil Defense Force, is an auxiliary force administered by the Ministry of Defense
Military - 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)
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)
Military and security service personnel strengths
estimated 210,000 active Armed Forces (140,000 Army; 25,000 Air Force; 45,000 Navy) (2025)
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
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 deployments
120 Central African Republic (MINUSCA); 130 Lebanon (UNIFIL) (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military's armaments are mostly of Chinese, Indian, Russian/Soviet, and US origin (2025)
Refugees and internally displaced persons
Refugees: 500 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 5,549 (2024 est.)
Stateless persons: 229 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 5,549 (2024 est.)
Stateless persons: 229 (2024 est.)
Terrorist group(s)
Terrorist group(s): Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS); Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)
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: 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
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
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
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
37.7 (2019 est.)
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality