Country Profile: Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, located in Southern Asia, is an island nation in the Indian Ocean just south of India. With a population of over 22 million, it boasts a rich history influenced by diverse ethnic groups such as the Sinhalese and Tamils. The economy has faced significant challenges in recent years, particularly following a severe economic crisis, yet the country remains reliant on tourism and remittances. Governed as a presidential republic, Sri Lanka has experienced political turbulence and civil unrest in its recent history, particularly in the context of ethnic tensions and governance issues.

Geography

Sri Lanka is strategically positioned in the Indian Ocean, encompassing an area of approximately 65,610 square kilometers. The country features a varied landscape with low plains and mountain ranges, notably the highest peak, Pidurutalagala, reaching 2,524 meters. It has a tropical monsoon climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons influenced by monsoons from December to March and June to October, respectively.

1,340 km of coastline
48.6% of land used for agriculture (2023 est.)
34.4% of land covered by forests (2023 est.)
No land borders, strictly maritime boundaries.

People and Society

With an estimated population of 22,050,561 in 2025, Sri Lanka's demographic landscape is predominantly Sinhalese (74.9%), with Tamils and Moors constituting significant minorities. The country has seen a gradual population growth of 0.22% annually, supported by a relatively high literacy rate of 92.7%. The nation is also marked by a diverse cultural heritage that intertwines various languages, religions, and traditions.

14.38 births per 1,000 population (2025 est.)
76.8 years life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
Urban population comprises 19.2% of the total (2023)
Median age is 34.2 years (2025 est.)

Economy

After experiencing a significant contraction driven by inflation and a sovereign debt crisis, Sri Lanka's economy is in a phase of recovery, facilitated by an IMF debt relief program. The GDP is primarily driven by services, which account for 57.5% of the economy. Key sectors include agriculture, tourism, and textiles, although the country faces challenges due to a non-diversified economic structure.

Real GDP (PPP) estimated at $301.407 billion for 2024
5% GDP growth projected for 2024
Unemployment rate at 5% (2024 est.)
14.3% poverty rate (2019 est.)

Government

Sri Lanka operates as a presidential republic, with the president acting as both the head of state and government. The latest election occurred on September 21, 2024. The capital city is Colombo, while Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte serves as the legislative capital. The political landscape is characterized by a mix of multiple parties, reflecting a diverse electorate facing issues related to governance and civil rights.

225 members in a unicameral Parliament
18 years is the minimum voting age
9 provinces administratively
Seventh constitution adopted on August 16, 1978

Military and Security

The Sri Lankan Armed Forces consist of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and various supporting divisions, with approximately 210,000 active personnel as of 2025. Military expenditures are about 1.5% of GDP. The country has engaged in peacekeeping missions and maintains a cooperative defense relationship with India while developing military ties with China.

Military personnel estimated at 210,000 (2025)
1.5% of GDP for military expenditures (2024 est.)
Active in UN peacekeeping efforts, notably in Lebanon and Central African Republic

Energy

Sri Lanka achieved full electrification by 2022 and relies heavily on a mix of fossil fuels and renewable sources for its energy needs. The country generated approximately 15.763 billion kWh of electricity in 2023, with hydropower constituting a substantial portion of the energy mix alongside fossil fuels.

5.326 million kW of installed electricity generation capacity (2023 est.)
49.4% of electricity capacity from fossil fuels (2023 est.)
Total energy consumption per capita was 12.372 million Btu (2023 est.)

Environment

Environmental challenges include deforestation, soil erosion, urbanization impacts, and pollution affecting freshwater resources. Sri Lanka is a party to various international environmental agreements, including the Paris Agreement, and faces ongoing issues related to urban waste management and coral reef preservation.

2.632 million tons of municipal solid waste generated annually (2024 est.)
24.5% of waste recycled (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources amount to 52.8 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)

Transportation

Sri Lanka's transportation infrastructure includes 18 airports, a network of railways, and merchant marine vessels contributing to logistical capabilities. Despite a well-established system, the country is continuously working toward improvements in connectivity and transport efficiency.

1,562 km of railway (2016)
96 merchant marine vessels (2023)
18 airports (2025)

Communications

The communication sector in Sri Lanka has seen major advancements, with mobile cellular subscriptions reaching over 30 million by 2024. The country has a diverse media landscape, featuring both government and private television and radio channels.

51% of the population are internet users (2023 est.)
Fixed line telephone subscriptions total to 1.707 million (2023)
2.01 million fixed broadband subscriptions (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	22,050,561	2025 est.
Area	65,610 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$301.407 billion	2024 est.
Unemployment rate	5%	2024 est.
Birth rate	14.38 births/1,000 population	2025 est.
Life expectancy	76.8 years	2024 est.
Energy consumption per capita	12.372 million Btu/person	2023 est.
Literacy rate	92.7%	2023 est.
Inflation rate	-0.4%	2024 est.
Urban population	19.2% of total	2023