Sri Lanka has a population of approximately 22 million people in 2025, ranking as the 58th most populous country in the world. Spread across an island roughly the size of Ireland, this teardrop-shaped nation in the Indian Ocean packs more than 335 people into every square kilometre, making it one of the more densely settled countries in South Asia despite its modest land area.
How Many People Live in Sri Lanka?
With about 22 million residents, Sri Lanka sits comfortably in the middle of the global population rankings — larger than the Netherlands or Australia, yet a fraction of the size of its giant neighbour India, which has more than 1.4 billion people. The island measures only around 65,600 km², so this population is concentrated on a compact landmass, particularly along the wet, fertile southwestern coast and the central highlands.
Population density averages roughly 335 people per square kilometre, but this figure is misleading on its own: the dry northern and eastern zones are sparsely settled, while the area around the commercial capital of Colombo is intensely urbanised. Understanding where people actually live is key to understanding the country's economy and culture. For a broader picture, see our sri lanka country guide.
Population Growth and Future Trends
Sri Lanka's population is now growing very slowly, at an annual rate of about 0.42% — one of the lowest growth rates in South Asia. This is remarkable for a country at its income level and reflects decades of sustained investment in education and public health. The total fertility rate has settled at roughly 2.0 children per woman, essentially at the replacement level, meaning the population is no longer expanding rapidly.
Demographers project that Sri Lanka's population will peak at around 22.5 million by the mid-2030s before entering a gradual, long-term decline. This pattern — slowing growth followed by an ageing society — mirrors what wealthier nations experienced decades earlier, and it presents both opportunities and challenges for the country's labour market and pension systems.
The Largest Cities
Sri Lanka's urban centres are smaller than you might expect for a country of 22 million, because a large share of the population remains rural. The three best-known cities each play a distinct role:
- Colombo — the commercial capital and largest city, with roughly 750,000 residents in the city proper and around 5.6 million across the greater metropolitan area. It is the nation's main port and business hub.
- Kandy — the cultural capital in the central hills, home to about 130,000 people and to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, the most revered Buddhist site on the island.
- Galle — a southern coastal city of around 100,000, famed for its remarkably preserved Dutch colonial fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A common point of confusion is the capital: the official seat of government and parliament is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, a planned suburb of Colombo, even though Colombo remains the country's dominant economic and population centre.
Ethnic, Linguistic and Religious Make-up
Sri Lanka is a genuinely multi-ethnic society. The Sinhalese form the majority at roughly 75% of the population, followed by Sri Lankan Tamils at about 11%, Sri Lankan Moors (Muslims) at around 9%, and Indian Tamils at about 4%. This diversity is reflected in the country's two official languages, Sinhala and Tamil, with English widely used in business, government and education.
Religion closely tracks ethnicity. About 70% of Sri Lankans practise Theravada Buddhism, around 13% are Hindu, roughly 10% Muslim, and about 7% Christian. This blend of faiths gives the island a calendar crowded with festivals, from the Buddhist Vesak to the Hindu Thai Pongal and the Christian Christmas, all recognised as public holidays.
A Demographic Success Story
What makes Sri Lanka's demographics so striking is how favourable its social indicators are relative to its income. The country achieved near-universal literacy — currently around 92% — decades before many wealthier Asian neighbours, and it has long enjoyed low infant mortality and high life expectancy. As a result, the median age has climbed to about 34 years, making Sri Lankans one of the oldest populations in South Asia. These outcomes are the legacy of free public education and healthcare systems established in the mid-20th century, a model often studied by development economists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Sri Lanka in 2025?
Sri Lanka has an estimated population of approximately 22 million people in 2025, ranking it the 58th most populous country in the world.
What is the largest city in Sri Lanka?
Colombo is the largest city, with about 750,000 residents in the city itself and roughly 5.6 million in its wider metropolitan area. Note that the official capital is the nearby suburb of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.
Is Sri Lanka's population growing or shrinking?
The population is still growing, but very slowly — at about 0.42% per year. With fertility at replacement level, it is expected to peak around 22.5 million in the mid-2030s and then gradually decline.
What languages do Sri Lankans speak?
Sinhala and Tamil are both official languages, reflecting the country's two largest ethnic groups. English is also widely spoken and serves as a common link language in commerce and government.