Sri Lanka’s female population outnumbers males as sex ratio falls to 93.3

Sri Lanka’s female population continues to outnumber males, with the national sex ratio dropping to 93.3 males per 100 females, according to the latest data released by the Department of Census and Statistics

All districts in the country have reported a sex ratio below 100, indicating a surplus of females.

The highest sex ratio was recorded in Monaragala District (97.9), followed by Mannar (97.3), while the lowest was in Batticaloa (88.0). The Department explained that the sex ratio represents the number of males for every 100 females and serves as a key demographic indicator influencing social, economic, and long-term population stability.

The sex ratio has declined slightly from 93.8 in 2012 to 93.3 in 2024, reflecting a 0.5 percentage point decrease over the past decade. The country’s total population now stands at 21,781,800, comprising 51.7 percent females and 48.3 percent males.

By sector, females account for 51.9 percent in urban areas, 51.7 percent in rural, and 51.4 percent in estate-rural sectors, while the estate-urban sector records a slightly more balanced 50.4 percent female to 49.6 percent male population.

Compared to the 2012 census, Matale, Galle, Matara, Jaffna, Badulla, and Kegalle are the only districts that have shown an increase in sex ratio, while Kandy and Kurunegala remained unchanged and all other districts reported declines.

Age-wise analysis shows that the sex ratio exceeds 100 in younger age groups (0–19 years), indicating more males, but gradually declines beyond age 40. The lowest sex ratio (69.8) is observed among those aged 70 and above, highlighting the longer life expectancy of females.

The census also shows an ageing population. Individuals under 15 years now make up 20.7 percent of the population, down from 25.2 percent in 2012. Meanwhile, the elderly population (65 years and above) has risen from 7.9 percent to 12.6 percent, marking a 4.7-point increase, while the working-age group (15–64 years) remains dominant at 66.7 percent.

The Department notes that this demographic shift — a growing elderly population and declining youth numbers — poses new challenges for labour supply, social support systems, and long-term national planning.