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

• Population up 1.42 m since 2012
• Female population at 51.7% exceeds males; sex ratio falls to 93.3
• Elderly share rises to 12.6%, dependency ratio up to 49.8%
• 6.03 m occupied housing units recorded, up 15.8% since 2012

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. 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 male-to-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. 

Those under 15 years now account for 20.7% of the population, down from 25.2% in 2012. The working-age population (15-64 years) makes up 66.7%, slightly lower than 66.9% in 2012, while the elderly (65 years and above) increased from 7.9% to 12.6%.

The dependency ratio, which measures dependents as a share of the working-age population, rose marginally from 49.4% in 2012 to 49.8% in 2024. The report attributes the increase to a growing elderly population and a shrinking youth base. Matara recorded the highest dependency ratio at 55%, while Colombo reported the lowest at 43%.

The census identified 6,030,541 occupied housing units nationwide, an increase of 822,801 or 15.8% from 2012. 

The growth of housing stock mirrors population patterns, with the highest number of housing units recorded in the Gampaha District, followed by Colombo. The difference between the two districts is 28,974 units. 

Gampaha’s housing stock grew by 14.1%, while districts such as Mullaitivu (39.2%), Mannar (37.1%), and Kilinochchi (29.3%) saw the fastest expansion. The lowest increase was in Nuwara Eliya at 8.1%.

Of all homes, 95.66% are single houses, with 82.21% being single-storeyed. Attached first-floor homes represent 2.7%, second floors 0.83%, and third or fourth floors 0.42%. 

High-rise attached housing—20 floors or above—makes up 0.04% of total homes, concentrated mainly in Colombo.

District-level data show single-storey houses exceed 80% in most areas, except Gampaha (78.28%), Kandy (74.86%), Nuwara Eliya (62.15%), and Colombo (54.43%). 

The highest share of attached housing (26.62%) is in Nuwara Eliya. In construction materials, Polonnaruwa (90%), Kurunegala (87.9%), Hambantota (81.8%), and Anuradhapura (81.8%) lead in brick-walled houses, while cement block houses dominate in Jaffna (95.3%), Mannar (94.5%), Mullaitivu (87.4%), and Kilinochchi (95.3%).

The Department said the data highlights structural changes that will have long-term economic implications. 

A shrinking youth base and expanding elderly population point to future labour constraints, rising healthcare costs, and increased demand for retirement support systems. Meanwhile, the slower pace of housing growth in key districts suggests pressures in urban development and affordability.

The Department said detailed district-level tables will be released later this year to guide national and regional planning in areas such as employment, housing, social protection, and public finance.