Sri Lanka has experienced a significant decline in its birth rate, reaching its lowest level in decades, according to official data.
The Department of Census and Statistics reports that the number of registered live births fell from approximately 328,400 in 2018 to 220,761 in 2024 — a drop of nearly 33 percent.
Officials have raised concerns over this alarming trend, noting that the number of new births has continued to fall compared to pre-pandemic levels.
In late 2023, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha, citing data from the Ministry of Health, warned of potential long-term repercussions for the country’s education system and labor force due to the sharp decline in annual births.
Experts attribute the decline to a mix of social and economic factors. Sri Lanka’s fertility rate has been on a downward trajectory for years, reflecting a growing preference for smaller families. However, recent crises have deepened the trend.
The Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic collapse in 2022 delivered a dual shock to the population, prompting many couples to delay marriage and childbirth.
