Sri Lanka’s population growth has experienced significant changes over the past several decades. In the mid-20th century, the country saw rapid population growth due to improvements in healthcare, declining mortality rates, and high birth rates. However, since the 1980s, the growth rate has gradually slowed, reflecting a demographic transition influenced by increased urbanization, higher educational attainment, and greater access to family planning. As of 2024, Sri Lanka’s population is estimated at around 22 million, with an annual growth rate of less than 1%. The country is also witnessing an aging population, as fertility rates have dropped below replacement level and life expectancy continues to rise, posing new social and economic challenges for the future.
| Year | Population | Population Density Per Square KM |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | 7,533,097 | 116.6 |
| 1955 | 8,693,779 | 134.5 |
| 1960 | 9,913,489 | 153.4 |
| 1965 | 11,260,675 | 174.2 |
| 1970 | 12,618,720 | 195.2 |
| 1975 | 13,779,193 | 213.2 |
| 1980 | 15,055,970 | 233 |
| 1985 | 15,847,023 | 245.2 |
| 1990 | 16,861,677 | 260.9 |
| 1995 | 17,941,066 | 277.6 |
| 2000 | 19,041,167 | 294.6 |
| 2005 | 20,102,989 | 311 |
| 2010 | 21,083,218 | 326.2 |
| 2015 | 22,052,143 | 341.2 |
| 2020 | 22,895,756 | 354.3 |
| 2022 | 23,187,516 | 358.8 |
| 2023 | 23,326,272 | 360.9 |
| 2024 | 23,460,488 | 363 |
| 2025 | 23,590,176 | 365 |
| 2030 | 24,186,861 | 374.2 |
| 2035 | 24,706,443 | 382.3 |
| 2040 | 25,134,659 | 388.9 |
| 2045 | 25,437,022 | 393.6 |
| 2050 | 25,595,389 | 396 |
| 2055 | 25,627,216 | 396.5 |
| 2060 | 25,562,860 | 395.5 |
| 2065 | 25,420,872 | 393.3 |
| 2070 | 25,205,349 | 390 |
| 2075 | 24,916,549 | 385.5 |
| 2080 | 24,560,841 | 380 |
| 2085 | 24,152,092 | 373.7 |
| 2090 | 23,697,772 | 366.7 |
| 2095 | 23,191,471 | 358.8 |
| 2100 | 22,631,666 | 350.2 |
Data from US Census International Database