World · permanent entity record · CE

Sri Lanka

Thirty-second orientation

Sri Lanka at a glance

Capital: Colombo (commercial capital); Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte (legislative capital); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Population: 21,756,000; World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025
Area: 65,610 sq km; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Nationality / demonym: noun: Sri Lankan(s); adjective: Sri Lankan; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Government: presidential republic; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Languages: Sinhala (official) 87%, Tamil (official) 28.5%, English 23.8% (2012 est.); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04

Independently structured milestones · not a complete national history

Sri Lanka through time

1955-12-14
Admitted to the United Nations
Sri Lanka became a member of the United Nations.
United Nations, Member States · source checked 2026-09-04

Source history · changed fields only

Changes since the final CIA profile

Field	Maintained Almanac value	Final CIA profile
Population	21,756,000World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025	total: 22,050,561 (2025 est.) male: 10,668,528 female: 11,382,033CIA World Factbook · as of 2026-01-18

A difference may reflect a newer observation, a revised estimate, or a different source definition. This table reports the values and dates; it does not manufacture a trend.

World Development Indicators · latest available observation

People, economy, and access

Observation years vary by measure. Each row identifies the series and year instead of presenting unlike dates as one current snapshot.

Gross domestic product: $108.8 billion; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Gross domestic product per person: $5,002; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Life expectancy at birth: 77.7 years; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Urban population: 20.5%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, World Urbanization Prospects. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Access to electricity: 100.0%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS. Underlying providers: World Bank ESMAP, Tracking SDG 7. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
People using the internet: 54.6%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS. Underlying providers: International Telecommunication Union. Retrieved 2026-09-08.

World Development Indicators data are provided under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). The linked indicator metadata identifies the underlying statistical providers.

Maintained profile

Capital: Colombo (commercial capital); Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte (legislative capital); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04The nation set and displayed federal short name follow the current State Department independent-states register, dated August 11, 2026.
Area: 65,610 sq km; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Final CIA source data preserved by a community mirror after the Factbook was retired; the mirror is not the issuing authority.
Population: 21,756,000; World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.POP.TOTL. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Source footnote: Preliminary. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Currency: Sri Lankan rupees (LKR); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Currency label extracted from the Factbook exchange-rate field.
Languages: Sinhala (official) 87%, Tamil (official) 28.5%, English 23.8% (2012 est.); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Factbook language listing reproduced without inferring official status beyond the source wording.
Nationality / demonym: noun: Sri Lankan(s); adjective: Sri Lankan; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04The source’s noun and adjective forms are retained. These are language labels, not evidence of any individual person’s citizenship.
Government: presidential republic; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
UN membership: 1955-12-14; United Nations, Member States · as of 2026-09-04
Continent: Asia; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-18Continental label standardized from the archived profile region “South Asia.”
Coastline: 1,340 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-18Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Climate: tropical monsoon; northeast monsoon (December to March); southwest monsoon (June to October); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-18Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Religions: Buddhist (official) 70.2%, Hindu 12.6%, Muslim 9.7%, Roman Catholic 6.1%, other Christian 1.3%, other 0.05% (2012 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-18Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Flag colors: yellow, green, orange, maroon; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-18Colors extracted from the flag description in the preserved final CIA profile.
National symbol: lion, water lily; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-18Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Highest point: Pidurutalagala · 8,281 ft (2,524 m); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-18Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Lowest point: Indian Ocean · 0 ft (0 m); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-18Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
NATO membership: Not a member; NATO, What is NATO? · as of 2026-09-06Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.
BRICS membership: Not a member; BRICS Brazil, About the BRICS · as of 2026-09-06Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.

Preserved public-domain record · not maintained current data

Final CIA World Factbook profile

This is the preserved historical baseline from the Factbook’s final public snapshot. It is presented as the CIA stated it, not as a current Standard American Almanac finding. Current, independently maintained facts appear above when available.

CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · profile updated 2026-01-18 · pinned source record · commit d81154954b8b

Introduction1 fields

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.; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source

Geography17 fields

Location: Southern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of India; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Geographic coordinates: 7 00 N, 81 00 E; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Map references: Asia; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Area: total : 65,610 sq km land: 64,630 sq km water: 980 sq km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Area - comparative: slightly larger than West Virginia; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Land boundaries: total: 0 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Coastline: 1,340 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Climate: tropical monsoon; northeast monsoon (December to March); southwest monsoon (June to October); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Terrain: mostly low, flat to rolling plain; mountains in south-central interior; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Elevation: highest point: Pidurutalagala 2,524 m lowest point: Indian Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 228 m; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Natural resources: limestone, graphite, mineral sands, gems, phosphates, clay, hydropower, arable land; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Irrigated land: 5,700 sq km (2012); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Natural hazards: occasional cyclones and tornadoes; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source

People and Society36 fields

Population: total: 22,050,561 (2025 est.) male: 10,668,528 female: 11,382,033; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Nationality: noun: Sri Lankan(s) adjective: Sri Lankan; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Ethnic groups: Sinhalese 74.9%, Sri Lankan Tamil 11.2%, Sri Lankan Moors 9.2%, Indian Tamil 4.2%, other 0.5% (2012 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Religions: Buddhist (official) 70.2%, Hindu 12.6%, Muslim 9.7%, Roman Catholic 6.1%, other Christian 1.3%, other 0.05% (2012 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 53.9 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 34.2 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 19.7 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 5.1 (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Median age: total: 34.2 years (2025 est.) male: 32.2 years female: 35.8 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Population growth rate: 0.22% (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Birth rate: 14.38 births/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Death rate: 7.65 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Net migration rate: -4.5 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Urbanization: urban population: 19.2% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 1.22% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Major urban areas - population: 103,000 Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte (legislative capital) (2018), 633,000 COLOMBO (capital) (2023); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Mother's mean age at first birth: 25.6 years (2016 est.) note: data represents median age at first birth among women 30-34; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Maternal mortality ratio: 18 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Infant mortality rate: total: 6.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 7.5 deaths/1,000 live births female: 6.1 deaths/1,000 live births; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 76.8 years (2024 est.) male: 73.7 years female: 79.9 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Total fertility rate: 2.12 children born/woman (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Gross reproduction rate: 1.03 (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Drinking water source: urban: 98.1% of population (2022 est.) rural: 87.2% of population (2022 est.) total: 89.3% of population (2022 est.) urban: 1.9% of population (2022 est.) rural: 12.8% of population (2022 est.) total: 10.7% of population (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Health expenditure: 4.1% of GDP (2021) 9.5% of national budget (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Physician density: 1.14 physicians/1,000 population (2023); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Hospital bed density: 4 beds/1,000 population (2020 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Sanitation facility access: urban: 97.9% of population (2022 est.) rural: 99.2% of population (2022 est.) total: 99% of population (2022 est.) urban: 2.1% of population (2022 est.) rural: 0.8% of population (2022 est.) total: 1% of population (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 5.2% (2016); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Tobacco use: total: 18.2% (2025 est.) male: 36.3% (2025 est.) female: 2% (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 17.1% (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Currently married women (ages 15-49): 66.3% (2016 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Child marriage: women married by age 15: 0.9% (2016) women married by age 18: 9.8% (2016); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Education expenditure: 1.8% of GDP (2023 est.) 7.2% national budget (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Literacy: total population: 92.7% (2023 est.) male: 93.4% (2023 est.) female: 92% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 13 years (2023 est.) male: 12 years (2023 est.) female: 14 years (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source

Environment10 fields

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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Climate: tropical monsoon; northeast monsoon (December to March); southwest monsoon (June to October); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Urbanization: urban population: 19.2% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 1.22% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Particulate matter emissions: 24.8 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 2.632 million tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 24.5% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Total renewable water resources: 52.8 billion cubic meters (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source

Government23 fields

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"; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Government type: presidential republic; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Administrative divisions: 9 provinces; Central, Eastern, North Central, Northern, North Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Uva, Western; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Legal system: mixed system of Roman-Dutch civil law, English common law, Jaffna Tamil customary law, and Muslim personal law; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Executive branch: chief of state: President Anura Kumara DISSANAYAKE (since 23 September 2024) head of government: President Anura Kumara DISSANAYAKE (since 23 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% expected date of next election: 2029 note: the president is both chief of state and head of government; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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/; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Independence: 4 February 1948 (from the UK); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
National holiday: Independence Day (National Day), 4 February (1948); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
National symbol(s): lion, water lily; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
National color(s): maroon, yellow; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
National anthem(s): title: "Sri Lanka Matha" (Mother Sri Lanka) lyrics/music: Ananda SAMARKONE (Sinhala),M. NALLATHAMBY (Tamil)/Ananda SAMARKONE history: adopted 1951; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source

Economy32 fields

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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Real GDP growth rate: 5% (2024 est.) -2.3% (2023 est.) -7.3% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Real GDP per capita: $13,800 (2024 est.) $13,000 (2023 est.) $13,200 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
GDP (official exchange rate): $98.963 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Inflation rate (consumer prices): -0.4% (2024 est.) 16.5% (2023 est.) 49.7% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Agricultural products: rice, coconuts, tea, sugarcane, plantains, milk, fiber crops, cassava, chicken, pumpkins/squash (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Industries: processing of rubber, tea, coconuts, tobacco and other agricultural commodities; tourism; clothing and textiles; mining; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Industrial production growth rate: 11% (2024 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Labor force: 8.499 million (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Unemployment rate: 5% (2024 est.) 6% (2023 est.) 4.6% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Population below poverty line: 14.3% (2019 est.) note: % of population with income below national poverty line; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 37.7 (2019 est.) note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Average household expenditures: on food: 27.1% of household expenditures (2023 est.) on alcohol and tobacco: 3.4% of household expenditures (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Public debt: 79.1% of GDP (2017 est.) note: central government debt as a % of GDP; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Taxes and other revenues: 9.9% (of GDP) (2023 est.) note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Exports - partners: USA 22%, India 7%, Germany 7%, UK 7%, Italy 5% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Exports - commodities: garments, tea, precious stones, used rubber tires, rubber products (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Imports - partners: India 21%, China 19%, UAE 10%, Singapore 5%, Malaysia 4% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, fabric, crude petroleum, packaged medicine, cotton fabric (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Debt - external: $42.198 billion (2023 est.) note: present value of external debt in current US dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Exchange rates: Sri Lankan rupees (LKR) per US dollar - 327.507 (2023 est.) 322.633 (2022 est.) 198.764 (2021 est.) 185.593 (2020 est.) 178.745 (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source

Energy6 fields

Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Coal: consumption: 2.323 million metric tons (2023 est.) imports: 2.238 million metric tons (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Petroleum: refined petroleum consumption: 100,000 bbl/day (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Energy consumption per capita: 12.372 million Btu/person (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source

Communications6 fields

Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 1.707 million (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 7 (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 30.6 million (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 133 (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Internet country code: .lk; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Internet users: percent of population: 51% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 2.01 million (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 9 (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source

Transportation6 fields

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: 4R; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Airports: 18 (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Heliports: 1 (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Railways: total: 1,562 km (2016) broad gauge: 1,562 km (2016) 1.676-m gauge; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Merchant marine: total: 96 (2023) by type: bulk carrier 5, general cargo 15, oil tanker 11, other 65; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source

Military and Security7 fields

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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the military's armaments are mostly of Chinese, Indian, Russian/Soviet, and US origin (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Military service age and obligation: generally 18-24 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women, although upper age limits may vary by branch of service, roles, specialties, etc; no conscription (2026); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
Military deployments: 120 Central African Republic (MINUSCA); 130 Lebanon (UNIFIL) (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source
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); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source

Terrorism1 fields

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; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source

Transnational Issues1 fields

Refugees and internally displaced persons: refugees: 500 (2024 est.) IDPs: 5,549 (2024 est.) stateless persons: 229 (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-18 · source

The underlying United States government material is public domain. The Almanac’s reuse terms do not change the legal status of this preserved source layer.

Sri Lanka at a glance

Sri Lanka through time

Admitted to the United Nations

Changes since the final CIA profile

People, economy, and access

Maintained profile