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Sri Lanka Demographic Shifts (1981 vs 2024)
Comparing key demographic indicators between 1981 and the latest census results.
Primary Sources
Sri Lanka's Population Surge Masks Aging Shift and Gender Imbalance
The latest Population and Housing Census report released in Sri Lanka shows that the nation's total population has reached 21,781,800, marking a significant increase over the past decade ...
Sri Lanka's elderly population triples in four decades: Census
Image used for representational purpose only.(Photo | AFP)Updated on: 11 Apr 2026, 11:42 am2 min readCOLOMBO: Sri Lanka is undergoing a sharp demographic shift, with its elderly population nearly tripling over the past four decades, according to the latest census released by the Department of Census and Statistics.The 2024 census report, made public this week, places the country’s total population at 21.78 million, with a population density of 350 persons per square kilometre. It highlights a marked transition toward an ageing society, driven by declining fertility rates and rising life expectancy.The proportion of people aged 60 and above has increased significantly—from 6.6 per cent in 1981 to 18 per cent in 2024. In absolute terms, the elderly population has grown from under one million in 1981 to nearly 3.92 million today.At the same time, the share of children aged 0–14 has declined to 20.7 per cent, indicating a narrowing base of younger population. This shift is reflected in the country’s ageing index, which now stands at 87—meaning there are 87 elderly persons for every 100 children.The median age has also risen to 35 years, up by about five years compared to the previous census conducted in 2012, underscoring a steadily maturing population structure.A key factor behind this demographic transition is the sharp decline in the total fertility rate, which has dropped from 3.3 in 1981 to 1.8 in 2024. The trend signals long-term implications for the country’s workforce and economic planning.Regionally, the Western Province continues to be Sri Lanka’s most populous area, accounting for 28.1 per cent of the total population.The census further reveals a gender imbalance, with females outnumbering males. The national sex ratio stands at 93.3 males for every 100 females.In terms of ethnic composition, Sinhalese make up 74.1 per cent of the population, followed by Tamils at 12.3 per cent and Muslims at 10.5 per cent. Buddhism remains the dominant religion, practiced by 69.8 per cent of the population, while Hinduism, Islam, Roman Catholicism and other faiths account for the rest.The findings collectively point to a significant demographic transition, posing both challenges and opportunities for Sri Lanka’s social and economic policies in the years ahead.(With inputs from PTI)
Ageing population, delayed marriage, high literacy: 13 key census ...
Sri Lanka's population has reached 21.78 million, with the country rapidly ageing, literacy improving, and migration patterns shifting, according to the Final Report of the 2024 Census of Population and Housing released by the Department of Census and Statistics. Here are 13 key updates from the 2024 Census: 1. Population reaches 21.78 million Sri Lanka's total population stands at ...
Sri Lanka Population Hits 21.78 Million: Census Reveals Key ...
The census also shows a migrant population of 3,167,263, with the largest group residing in Gampaha District. Analyzing the population by age groups, the working-age population (15-59 years) is 13,353,837. Children under 14 years number 4,506,839, while the elderly population aged 65 and above totals 2,737,814.
