SRI LANKA NEWS
(APRIL 2025)
Compiled by Victor Melder
Sri Lanka has experienced a significant surge in HIV/AIDS cases in 2024 recording over 800 cases. According to the National STD/AIDS Control Programme, Sri Lanka has logged 824 cases reflecting a 18 per cent increase compared to the year 2023, which saw 694 cases. Out of the cases reported in 2024, 99 males and 13 females fall within the age range of 15-24, while the remaining cases are individuals above 25 years old. The male-to-female ratio of reported HIV cases in 2024 stands at 7.3:1. The fourth quarter (October-December) marked the highest number of cases (217) reported in a single quarter since 2009. Furthermore, 2024 has reported 47 deaths related to HIV/AIDS while Sri Lanka has conducted over 1 million HIV tests in 2024. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka has officially reported 18 HIV cases among the transgender community, while a total of 4,909 males and 1,521 females have contracted HIV thus far since 2009. Commenting on the situation, a medical official at the National STD/AIDS Control Program told Daily Mirror that they had noticed a notable uptick in HIV cases in 2023. When asked about the reason for the rise in cases, the official noted that the increase in cases can be attributed to the expansion of the testing capacity, the poor knowledge among people on sex education and risky sexual behaviour and not taking pertinent precautions. (Daily Mirror, 31.3.2025)
US President Donald Trump has imposed a 44 percent tax on Sri Lanka in an executive order in which he had claimed are discounted reciprocal of about half the taxes and barriers imposed by the island on America. Sri Lanka’s ‘reciprocal discounted tax’ is half of a deemed 88 percent in taxes charged on US products, according to a post by Trump on his Truthsocial.com social media site. If more than 20 percent of an article is made with US material, only the balance will be taxed. Out of 12,705 million dollars of exports in 2024, 2,909 million dollars or 22.9 percent were bought by US citizens. Sri Lanka is among the countries charged the highest Trump tariff. India has been charged 27 percent, Bangladesh 37 percent and Pakistan 30 percent. Myanmar (45 percent), Vietnam (46 percent), Lesotho (50 percent) has drawn higher taxes. Maldives, which has low import duties and a fixed exchange rate, appears to have been hit only a 10 percent blanket tax imposed on many countries. Singapore, also a country with zero import duties, is facing a 10 percent tax. Gulf Co-operation Council countries with currency board style regimes and free trade, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain have been hit with only the 10 percent tax. (Ceylon Today, 3.4.2025)
An alarming number of road accidents have been recorded this year, with 565 accidents and 292 deaths reported in the first three months, Traffic Control and Road Safety Director SSP Indika Hapugoda said. Addressing the media at the Government Information Department, he highlighted that most accidents involved individuals aged 15 to 60, and the number of accident-related hospital admissions is expected to increase by 12%. SSP Hapugoda urged the public to exercise caution and prioritize safety, especially during the upcoming New Year celebrations. Meanwhile, Dr. Samitha Siritunga, a specialist in Non-Communicable Diseases, revealed that 1.3 million people are hospitalized due to road accidents annually, with 1 in 6 individuals affected and 12,000 deaths reported each year. Authorities continue to warn the public to take necessary precautions during the New Year season to prevent further accidents. (Daily Mirror, 3.4.2025)
In a significant step towards strengthening Indo-Sri Lankan relations, seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged between India and Sri Lanka today (April 5), in the presence of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the Presidential Secretariat.The MoUs, covering a broad spectrum of sectors including energy, digital transformation, defence, health, and grant assistance, signal a new chapter of cooperation and mutual growth. Details of the MoUs exchanged:Energy Cooperation:A MoU for the implementation of a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) interconnection to facilitate electricity trade between the two countries was exchanged by Sri Lanka’s Energy Ministry Secretary, Prof. K.T.M. Udayanga Hemapala, and Indian Foreign Secretary Mr. Vikram Misri. Digital Transformation:A MoU aimed at sharing grassroots-level digital solutions was exchanged by Mr. Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy, and Mr. Vikram Misri. Trincomalee Energy Hub Development:A tripartite MoU between India, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates for developing Trincomalee as an energy hub was exchanged by Prof. Hemapala, Mr. Misri, and UAE Ambassador Mr. Khalid Nasser Alameri. Defence cooperation agreement was formalized through an MoU exchanged between the Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Retired Air Vice Marshal H.S. Sampath Thuiyakontha, and Mr. Vikram Misri. Health and Pharmaceuticals:A MoU in the field of health and pharmaceuticals was exchanged by Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, and Indian High Commission. Commission. Drug Code Cooperation:Another MoU between the Drug Code Commission of India’s Health Ministry and Sri Lanka’s National Drug Regulatory Authority was also exchanged by Dr. Jasinghe and Mr. Jha. Grant Assistance for the Eastern Province:A MoU for multi-sectoral grant assistance in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province was exchanged between Mr. Mahinda Siriwardena, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, and Mr. Jha. Prime Minister Modi’s state visit to Sri Lanka, made at the invitation of President Dissanayake, reaffirms the enduring spirit of friendship under the banner “Friendship of Centuries, Commitment to a Prosperous Future.” The event was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Indian Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and several Cabinet Ministers from the Sri Lankan government. (Daily News 5.4.2025)
One of the three main revenue-generating arms of the country and the competent authority regulating the liquor industry, the Excise Department of Sri Lanka has earned a record revenue of Rs.61 billion during the first quarter of this year. The department comes third amidst the revenue-generating arms of the Department of Inland Revenue and Sri Lanka Customs functioning under the Ministry of Finance and has been given a revenue target of Rs.242 billion for 2025. From this target the department has earned Rs.61.3 billion (Rs.61,300,000,000) from the countrywide sales of liquor during the months of January, February and March. The target for the first quarter from the annual target was Rs.42 billion. The Excise Chief U. L. Udaya Kumara told the Daily Mirror this was a progress of 127% and commended the entire staff of the department for their sheer dedication and commitment to achieve the remarkable target. Measures taken by the department to introduce a security sticker on the bottle caps had also immensely helped to increase revenue by discouraging counterfeit liquor from entering the market, he further said. (Daily Mirror, 5.4.2025)
The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved the recruitment of 18,853 individuals to the State sector, as part of the Government’s initiative to fill 30,000 essential public service vacancies proposed in the 2025 Budget. “This move is considered essential to strengthen key public sector functions, while maintaining fiscal discipline,” Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday. Addressing the media at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting, he noted that in line with the Government’s new policy to ensure merit-based recruitment, all appointments will be made without political interference and strictly according to qualifications and skills. The recruitment process will be governed by transparent procedures under officially prescribed schemes. “The positions to be filled are considered essential to maintain and improve public services across various institutions,” he asserted. Parliament had previously approved President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s proposal, in his capacity as Finance, Planning and Economic Development Minister, to allocate Rs. 10 billion from the 2025 Budget for these new State sector appointments. He said the new recruitments are part of the recommendations submitted by the special committee chaired by the Secretary to the Prime Minister to assess the staffing needs of Government institutions and provide recommendations on necessary appointments. Following a proposal by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Governments, he said the Cabinet of Ministers directed the relevant Ministries to begin immediate action. Dr. Jayatissa said the applications will be called in accordance with the recruitment procedures set out in the official program titled “Program to Recruit 30,000 Unemployed Graduates and Youth to the Government Service Proposed by the Budget 2025.” (Daily Financial Times, 9.4.2025)
The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved the revision of the national minimum monthly and daily wage structure for private sector employees. The new wage structure will take effect in two stages, beginning from 1 April 2025 while the second stage revision will begin on 1 January 2026. “The national minimum monthly wage will increase by Rs. 9,500 rising from the current Rs. 17,500 to Rs. 27,000. This will further increase by Rs. 3,000 from Rs. 27,000 to Rs. 30,000 with effect from 1 January 2026,” Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said at the post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday. He also said in parallel, the minimum daily wage for the private sector will see an increase of Rs. 380 from 1 April 2025, moving from Rs. 700 to Rs. 1,080. “This too will be revised again from 1 January 2026, with the daily wage set to rise by an additional Rs. 120 reaching Rs. 1,200,” he added. Dr. Jayatissa said the Government approved a significant revision to the national minimum wage structure for private sector employees, in line with the 2025 Budget proposals to increase public sector salaries to ensure income parity across both public and private sectors. The proposal, submitted by Labour Minister Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers. (Daily Financial Times, 9.4.2025)
The National tea Sales Average (NSA) in March has recorded Rs. 1,183.76 ($ 4.02), recording an increase of Rs. 14.83 and $ 0.06 in comparison with February 2025. In comparison, the March 2024 average of Rs. 1,296.48 ($ 4.27), shows a decline of Rs. 112.72 and $ 0.25 YOY, according to Forbes Walker Tea Brokers. Total National Sale Average for the year 2025 (to-date) was recorded at Rs. 1,179.32 ($ 4.01), a decline of Rs. 107.67 ($ 0.13) against the corresponding year’s average of Rs. 1,286.99 ($ 4.14). High Grown average for the month recorded an increase of Rs. 39.28 and $ 0.14 month on month, whilst a decline of Rs. 96.94 and $ 0.20 is recorded against the corresponding month in the year 2024. Medium Grown average for the month recorded a positive variance of Rs. 28.02 and $ 0.10 month on month. In comparison to the corresponding month last year, shows a decrease of Rs. 117.07 and $ 0.28. Low Grown average for the month recorded increases both in LKR andUSD terms of Rs. 10.82 and $ 0.05 month on month, whilst the YOY average shows a decrease of Rs. 121.00 and $ 0.27. All regions recorded negative variances during the period January-March 2025 in comparison to the cumulative corresponding period of 2024 in LKR terms. Except for the High Grown elevation, all elevations recorded a decline in USD terms too. Daily Financial Times, 9.4.2025)
The cost of preparing a traditional kevili or sweetmeats table for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year has increased by 7% in 2025 compared to 2024, and is now more than twice as high as it was in 2019, according to a report by Verité Research. The analysis found a 7% rise in the cost of ingredients between March 2024 and March 2025, driven primarily by significant increases in the prices of coconuts and coconut oil, which rose by 80% and 40% respectively. Most other ingredients either remained stable or decreased in price. In 2024, the cost of ingredients had increased by 2.2 times compared to 2019, and by 2025, this figure has risen to 2.4 times the cost in 2019. A kevili table typically features a selection of traditional Sri Lankan sweet treats that symbolise prosperity and happiness. While contents vary across households, common items include milk rice, kokis, bananas, aluwa, kevum, dodol, mun kevum and butter cake.The analysis used quantities based on recipes from the popular YouTube channel “Ape Amma,” estimating portions for a household of 4–5 people. Only main ingredients were considered in the costing; utility costs (electricity/gas) and spices were excluded. Price data was sourced directly from the Department of Census and Statistics, specifically from its Open Market Weekly Average Retail Prices in the Colombo District for the following periods: April Week 1 of 2019 and 2023, and March Week 3 of 2024 and 2025.(Daily Mirror, 10.4.2025)
In a bid to address mounting trade tensions, the Sri Lankan government has intensified efforts to reduce its significant trade deficit with the United States, Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando announced in parliament yesterday. He added that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has despatched a formal letter to President Trump urging, among other things, a re-assessment of the recent enhanced tariff regime imposed on Sri Lanka. The move follows reciprocal tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, which Sri Lankan authorities say significantly affect key export sectors. The Deputy Minister indicated that the White House has acknowledged receipt of the Lankan President’s letter, signaling the launching of a potential bilateral dialogue. Responding to a question raised by New Democratic Front (NDF) MP Ravi Karunanayake, Deputy Minister Fernando revealed that 88% of Sri Lanka’s trade deficit over the past five years stemmed from U.S. trade relations with apparel, rubber products, spices, other agricultural products and precious gems constituting 85% of total exports to the U.S. These exports, he noted, already face tariffs and paratariffs, but President Trump’s recent levies were calculated based on bilateral trade imbalances – a factor that has placed Sri Lanka’s economy under heightened pressure. “The President’s intervention underscores our commitment to protecting Sri Lankan industries and fostering equitable trade terms, Fernando stated, defending the administration’s proactive and reactive measures to mitigate the US tariffs’ impact on local businesses. Highlighting ongoing engagement, he added that another round of high-level discussions with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) was scheduled overnight. These talks aim to address structural trade imbalances and explore avenues for tariff relief, particularly for Sri Lanka’s apparel sector, which employs millions nationwide. The President’s letter marks a strategic move in Sri Lanka’s diplomatic outreach, reflecting the government’s urgency to stabilise an economy still recovering from recent crises while in the middle of an IMF program. Sri Lankan industry leaders have cautiously welcomed the government’s efforts but emphasise the need for swift, tangible outcomes. At present, all eyes remain on Washington’s response to President Dissanayake’s appeal – a potential turning point for Sri Lanka’s trade future, observers noted. (Daily Island, 9.4.2025)
The number of autistic children is on the rise, with over 9,000 children in Sri Lanka being identified so far. The Ministry of Education has informed the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Women and Child Affairs, chaired by Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj that a six-month training program has been proposed for students who are undergoing training to become teachers, in their respective colleges of education on handling children with disabilities. The officials further stated that the objective of this training is to equip teachers with the necessary knowledge and attitudes to treat children with disabilities equally to other children. During the discussion, officials highlighted that there has been a noticeable increase in the number of children diagnosed with autism in Sri Lanka. According to statistics, over 9,000 children have currently been identified, the officials informed the Committee. The Committee Chair emphasised that due to the lack of proper diagnosis during their early developmental stages, many children continue to suffer from various disabilities. It was also proposed to appoint a committee to carry out the necessary arrangements for this initiative, with the intention of guiding such children through appropriate stages of development. Moreover, the Committee also engaged in an extensive discussion regarding the necessity of ensuring that children residing in children’s homes and institutions due to vulnerabilities or financial hardships are provided with care within the family environment without being separated from their biological families. Officials from the Department of Probation and Child Care Services informed the Committee that placing a child under probationary care takes place only through a judicial process. Accordingly, they stated that steps will be taken to educate judges on the importance of providing care for such children within their family setting rather than institutionalising them. (Ceylon Today, 13.4.2025)
The expressway network has generated Rs. 134 million in revenue over the past three days, coinciding with the New Year season, according to the Expressway Maintenance and Management Division. An official said that a total of 387,000 vehicles had used the expressways on April 11, 12 and 13. Of this amount, over Rs. 100 million was collected during the first two days (April 11 and 12) from 297,736 vehicles. (Daily Mirror, 15.4.2025)
The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has recorded an income of nearly Rs. 600 million over the past four days, driven by increased travel during the Avurudu season. According to SLTB Deputy General Manager R.T. Chandrasiri, the daily income reached approximately Rs. 200 million, as buses were operated to transport people returning to their hometowns for the festivities. To meet the seasonal demand, the SLTB deployed around 350 additional buses across the country, ensuring improved travel convenience for passengers during the holiday period. (Daily News, 15.4.2025)
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka reports that tourism earnings for the first quarter of 2025 have reached US$ 1,122.3 million, marking a 9.4% increase compared to US$ 1,025.9 million in the same period last year. In March 2025 alone, the country earned US$ 354 million from tourism, helping total earnings surpass the US$ 1 billion milestone in the first three months. According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, 722,276 foreign tourists visited the country in Q1 2025. This translates to an average earning of US$ 1,553.83 per tourist. By comparison, Q1 2024 saw 635,784 arrivals, generating US$ 1,025.9 million in earnings—an average of US$ 1,613.59 per tourist. While both total arrivals and earnings have increased year-on-year, the average revenue per tourist has slightly decreased.(Daily News, 16.4.2025)
A leopard has died after being caught in a wire net near the vegetable garden in the Lindulla Mattakelke Estate, Talawakelle, according to the veterinary surgeon of the Randenigala Veterinary Division, Akalanga Pinidiya. The carcass of the leopard that died after being caught in a wire net that was set up to catch animals such as pigs was found on New Year’s Day (14). It was a well-grown male leopard, said the veterinary surgeon. The carcass of the leopard has been handed over to the Randenigala Veterinary Division for a post-mortem examination. Wildlife officials say that due to various programs undertaken by the wildlife authorities to reduce leopard deaths, no leopard deaths were recorded from the Nuwara Eliya Hakgala Wildlife Division in 2024, but three leopard deaths have been recorded from this area so far this year. Wildlife officials also report that 14 leopard tiger deaths have been recorded in the country in 2024, with six leopard tiger deaths reported in the last few months of this year alone. (Daily News, 17.4.2025)
Workers’ remittances hit a record high inflow for the month of March, reaching $ 693.3 million—the highest in 75 months. This reflects a 21.21% year-on-year (YoY) increase and a 26.5% rise compared to February 2025, the latest Central Bank data revealed. The March 2025 figure is also the third-highest monthly remittance inflow in history, behind $ 812.7 million recorded in December 2020 and $ 729.35 in January 2018. Analysing the data released by the Central Bank, it is evident that usually March receives a slightly higher remittance inflow ahead of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. The high inflow in March also propelled the first quarter remittances to rise by 18.12% year-on-year (YoY) to over $ 1.81 billion, marking the highest cumulative in the period since 2021. The workers’ remittances in the first three months of 2025 increased by 1.2% compared to the $ 1.79 billion registered in the same period of 2016 — the year that recorded the highest annual inflow at $ 7.24 billion. In 2024, workers’ remittances hit a four-year high of $ 6.57 billion, up by 10.1% from $ 5.69 billion in 2023. The surge followed a record wave of people seeking foreign employment after an unprecedented economic crisis. The sharpest post-crisis recovery was in 2023, when workers’ remittances grew by 57% to $ 6 billion, rebounding from a 12-year low of $ 3.78 billion in 2022. Highest-ever workers’ remittances were in 2016, whilst between 2014 and 2018, the annual average was $ 7 billion, suggesting a monthly inflow of around $ 600 million. (Financial Times, 17.4.2025)
The country’s manufacturing and services sectors in March have expanded as per the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), its compiler the Central Bank (CBSL) said. The Manufacturing PMI recorded an index value of 63.9 in March 2025, recording the highest value in four years. This expansion was attributable to positive contributions from all sub-indices posted month-on-month expansions, reflecting a continued expansion in manufacturing activities, driven by the strong seasonal demand. In February, the Manufacturing PMI value was 56.8, while in January it was 59 as opposed to 57.2 in December 2024. Most of the survey participants, particularly within the food and beverages and textile and wearing apparel manufacturing sectors, were the main contributors to the growth in the overall index, driving sharp expansions in the New Orders and Production sub-indices. In addition, both Employment and Stock of Purchases recorded expansions during the month, in line with the increases in New Orders and Production to accommodate growing demand. However, Suppliers’ Delivery Time continued to lengthen during the month, reflecting the increased pressure on suppliers. The outlook for manufacturing activities for the next three months remains positive. However, the CBSL said many firms, especially export-oriented manufacturers, are concerned about the growing uncertainties in global trade. Sri Lanka Purchasing Managers’ Index for Services (PMI – Services) recorded an index value of 69.8 in March 2025, indicating a considerable expansion in services activities.In February the index value was at 56.5 while in January it was 58.5 as opposed to 71.1 in December 2024.
The expansion in business activities expanded significantly supported by the improvements observed across most of the sectors. Accordingly, business activities related to wholesale and retail trade showed a notable expansion driven by the festive demand. Further, business activities in the financial services also continued to improve attributable to increased lending activities. Additionally, professional services, other personal services, accommodation, food and beverage, and insurance related business activities also indicated improvements during the month. The CBSL said New Businesses increased in March 2025, primarily due to expansions observed in the financial services, wholesale and retail trade, other personal services, insurance and accommodation, food and beverage related activities. Employment continued to increase amid recruitments across many companies in view of the festive season. Meanwhile, Backlogs of Work continued to decline, yet at a slower rate in March 2025. Expectations for business activities for the next three months continue to improve, but at a slower pace, amidst the uncertainties prevailed around import tariffs imposed by the US. (Ceylon Today, 18.4.2025)
Tea exports for the month of March 2025 totalled 23.43 M/Kgs, showing an increase of 2.18 M/Kgs vis-à-vis 21.25 M/Kgs of March 2024. All categories except for the tea bag category have recorded positive variances in comparison with the corresponding month of the previous year. FOB value in March 2025 was recorded at Rs. 1,753.16, a decline of Rs. 42.71 YoY compared to Rs. 1,795.87 as of March 2024. In USD terms, however, the month of March witnessed an increase of USD 0.04 in comparison with the corresponding period in the year 2024 . January-March 2025 cumulative exports totalled 63.21 M/Kgs, recording an increase of 0.88 M/Kgs vis-à-vis 62.33 M/Kgs of January-March 2024. Tea packets, tea bags and instant tea segments have recorded positive variances, whilst Tea in Bulk and Green Tea segments have witnessed a decline against the same period of the previous year. FOB value for the period stood at Rs. 1,738.80, a decrease of Rs. 40.63 (increase of USD 0.19) vis-à-vis Rs. 1,779.43 of January-March 2024. All categories except for Instant Tea recorded negative variances in LKR terms in FOB value, whilst gains were recorded in USD terms in all categories when compared to the corresponding period in 2024 (Refer table below). Iraq ranks at number 1 among major importers of Ceylon Tea with a total of 9.02 M/Kgs, an increase of 7% YoY in January-March 2025 against the previous year’s 8.41 M/Kgs, whilst Russia at 2 nd place has witnessed a decline of 1% YoY with 6.33 M/Kgs vis-à-vis 6.42 M/Kgs recorded in 2024.Libya has shown significant improvement for the year 2025 with an increase of 416% having imported 5.31 M/Kgs vis-a-vis 1.03 M/Kgs in 2024. The U.A.E with 4.54 M/Kgs (35% decrease YoY) followed by Türkiye 3.32 M/Kgs (19% decrease YoY), Chile 3.07M/Kgs (41% increase YoY).Iran has secured 7 th place with 2.78 M/Kgs edging over China’s 2.47 M/Kgs, whilst Saudi Arabia at 2.23 M/Kgs is followed by Germany at 2.22 M/Kgs for the 1 st quarter of 2025. (Daily News, 23.4.2025)
The Department of Census and Statistics has released the latest edition of the official poverty line chart for February 2025. According to the data, the national poverty line—representing the minimum monthly income required for an individual to meet basic needs—is recorded at Rs. 16,318. Based on this figure, the minimum monthly income required for a family of four to meet essential living expenses amounts to The official poverty line is calculated monthly and varies by district. For February, Colombo District recorded the highest district-level poverty line at Rs. 17,599, while the Monaragala District reported the lowest, at Rs. 15,603. Officials note that the slight decrease in the poverty line is linked to a drop in the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) for February 2025 compared to the previous month. (Daily News, 24.4.2025)
Poverty levels labelled as “alarmingly high at 24.5 percent” by the World Bank in a report released on April 23 raises concerns about economic wellbeing in Sri Lanka, despite the economy growing steadily after the economic crisis in 2022 “about a third—remains in poverty or is at risk of falling back into poverty,” said David Sislen, World Bank Division Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. In the report released by the World Bank a moderate growth of 3.1 percent is forecasted for the year 2026 and “implementation of reforms that enhance trade, investment, competition and female labor force participation, among others, is essential to ensure that all Sri Lankans benefit from the recovery” A recent report on labor force on the quarter 4 of 2024 released by the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) shows that 71 percent or 6,549,504 of females aged 15 and above are economically inactive meaning they are not participating in the labor market. This includes people who are not actively seeking work or are not available to start working within a short period. The report by DCS stated “The survey results further reveal that the unemployment among females is higher than that of males, in all age groups. Youth and female unemployment contribute more to the overall unemployment of the country”. One of the main reasons attributed to the high poverty levels by the World Bank is “The labor market continues to struggle, leading to increased emigration as people look for opportunities abroad. Household incomes, employment and overall welfare remain well below pre-crisis levels.” The DCS in the labor force survey mentioned that unemployment rates are highest in the 15 to 24 age category with 25.7 percent. The minimum expenditure per person per month to fulfill the basic needs as per the DCS in February 2025 is Rs. 16,318 which has more than doubled with a 134 percent increase since 2019 which was Rs. 6,966. According to the Sri Lanka Export development Board “United States is the 01st export destination” for Sri Lanka. Total export value from Sri Lanka to the United States was USD 2,909.97Mn in 2024.” The imposition of 44 percent reciprocal tariffs have led to a significant impact on the exports of Sri Lanka with many individuals bearing the brunt of the tariffs. In the annual report (2024) released by World Food Program Sri Lanka “the percentage of children under 5 who are suffering from wasting (low weight-for-age) and stunting (low height-for-age) over the last five years increased, revealing nutritional shortcomings. WFP supported over 1.5 million people through its four strategic outcomes in 2024, of which 61 percent were female. The nutritional situation in Sri Lanka reveals persistent and concerning malnutrition trends, highlighting systemic gaps in access to adequate nutrition.” (Daily Mirror, 26.4.2025)
Sri Lanka received 144,320 tourists from April 1-24, up 18.15 % from 120,304 over the same period last year, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority statistics say. India topped the list with 29,763 ( 20.6 %) followed by the UK with 15,501 (10.7%) of arrivals and Russia 11,859 (8.2%). In 2025, Sri Lanka’s tourism focus is on achieving ambitious arrival and revenue targets, with a projected 3 million visitors and over $5 billion in revenue. This involves strategic infrastructure development, diversifying offerings and effective marketing to attract a larger and higher-spending tourist base. (Daily News, 29.4.2025)
