Western Province retains lead as other regions lift GDP share in 2024

Tuesday, 23 December 2025 03:52 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Western Province continued to account for the largest share of the country’s nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2024, although the combined contribution of the other provinces increased during the year.

Provisional estimates compiled by the Statistics Department wof the Central Bank of Sri Lanka show the Western Province contributing 42.4% of nominal GDP in 2024, down from 44.0% in 2023, reflecting relatively stronger growth in several other regions.

The North Western Province ranked second with an 11.5% share of the economy, followed by the Central Province at 10.7%. The Southern Province accounted for 8.9%, while Sabaragamuwa contributed 7.7%. Shares of the Central, Eastern, North Western, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces all increased compared with 2023.

Sri Lanka’s nominal GDP for 2024 was estimated at Rs. 29.9 trillion, up from Rs. 27.4 trillion in 2023. The Western Province generated Rs. 12.66 trillion of output, while the North Western and Central provinces recorded Rs. 3.45 trillion and Rs. 3.20 trillion respectively.

In terms of sectoral contributions, the North Western Province remained the largest contributor to agriculture, accounting for 20.0% of national agricultural value added in 2024. The Central Province followed with 13.9%, while the Southern Province contributed 11.8%.

Industrial activity continued to be concentrated in the Western Province, which accounted for 47.6% of total industry output. The North Western Province contributed 12.0%, while the Central Province accounted for 9.6% of industry value added.

The Western Province also led services activity, contributing 44.5% of the total, followed by the Central Province at 10.7% and the North Western Province at 10.1%.

The Central Bank noted that PGDP estimates are derived using a top-down approach, disaggregating national GDP compiled by the Department of Census and Statistics to the provincial level based on relevant indicators, with 2024 figures classified as provisional.