🇱🇰 SL Census 2024: Population Hits 21.78m with Significant Ageing Trend 📈

• Sri Lanka’s population reached 21.78 million in 2024, recording an increase of 1.42 million (m) since the 2012 census. • Demographic Shift: The census confirms a strong ageing trend. The elderly (65+ years) share rose significantly from 7.9% (2012) to 12.6% (2024), while the youth share (under 15 years) fell from 25.2% to 20.7%. • The Dependency Ratio rose marginally from 49.4% to 49.8%, signaling future labour constraints, rising healthcare costs, and increased demand for retirement support systems. • Gender: Female population (51.7%) exceeds males, with the sex ratio falling to 93.3 males per 100 females. The rural population saw the largest increase (1.34 m), while the estate sector declined by 35,968. • Housing Units: Occupied housing units reached 6.03 m, a 15.8% increase since 2012. The fastest housing expansion was seen in Mullaitivu (39.2%), Mannar (37.1%), and Kilinochchi (29.3%). The data highlights pressures in urban development and affordability.