Sri Lanka is facing a particularly fragile socio-economic situation, a direct consequence of the severe economic crisis that occurred in 2022. The effects of this crisis, characterised by persistent inflation, significant food insecurity and a widespread deterioration in living conditions, continue to weigh heavily on the most vulnerable populations. Access to essential services, notably health, education, water and energy, remains very limited, particularly in rural areas and deprived urban neighbourhoods.
In 2025, between 6 and 7 million people were experiencing moderate to severe food insecurity. The continuing rise in the cost of staple foods, combined with insufficient incomes, is forcing many households to reduce both the quality and quantity of their diet. Malnutrition particularly affects children, with worrying rates of stunting and wasting, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women. Socially, poverty has risen sharply, from less than 15 per cent before 2022 to over 25 per cent in 2025.
Certain regions are particularly vulnerable, notably the northern and eastern districts, which have been historically marginalised following several decades of conflict, as well as rural areas. Fishing and farming communities, which are heavily dependent on imported fuel and agricultural inputs, have seen their livelihoods severely compromised. This situation is exacerbated by high exposure to recurring climate-related disasters, such as floods and droughts, which worsen food insecurity and weaken infrastructure. Health and social protection systems, already under strain, are struggling to cope with the rapidly increasing needs.
Furthermore, in late 2025, Cyclone Ditwah took a heavy toll on the country. Accompanied by torrential rain, it caused widespread flooding and landslides across all 25 districts of the country. More than 1.6 million people were affected and nearly 833,000 displaced, whilst thousands of homes and essential infrastructure were destroyed or damaged. The mountainous areas in the centre of the country were particularly hard hit, with deadly landslides.
Despite the efforts of the government and humanitarian organisations, the needs of the population remain considerable. Without a significant increase in r international support, millions of people will continue to face precarious living conditions, with limited access to essential services.
- Population: 22.3 million
- HDI: 0.776 (2023)
- GDP: 99 billion USD (2024)
- GDP per capita: 4,516 USD (2024)
