Sri Lanka's population hits 21.78 m, ageing trend and slower growth seen

SRI Lanka’s population reached 21,781,800 in 2024, an increase of 1,422,361 from 2012, according to the latest Population and housing Census released by the department of Census and Statistics.

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The data shows moderate growth but signals deeper demographic shifts, including an ageing population, declining youth share, and slower household expansion in key districts.

The rural population rose by 1,343,596 and the urban population by 114,733, while the estate sector declined by 35,968. The 2024 census confirms a continuing gender imbalance, with women accounting for 51.7% of the total population and men 48.3%, leaving 757,112 more females than males.

The sex ratio now stands at 93.3 males for every 100 females, down from 93.8 in 2012. All 25 districts recorded ratios below 100, with Monaragala reporting the highest at 97.8 and Batticaloa the lowest at 88.

The data shows more boys than girls under 19 years, but the maleto-female ratio declines sharply in older age groups, falling to 69.8 among those aged 70 and above. The age composition shows clear signs of demographic transition.