Sri Lanka Debt Service
Total debt service as % of exports DT.TDS.DECT.EX.ZS
Sri Lanka's debt service was 12.70% in 2025, ranked 54th globally. This represents a 46.4% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1975–2025.
Overview
Sri Lanka's debt service stood at 12.70% in 2025, a decline of +11.00% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 12.70% by 2025. Sri Lanka ranked 54th globally.
Sri Lanka's debt service burden has fluctuated significantly over the past five decades, with a peak of 38.23 in 2014 and a trough of 5.54 in 2005. The country's debt service ratio, at 12.70 in 2025, ranks 54th globally. In comparison, Ecuador, a peer country, had a debt service ratio of 13.15 in 2025, indicating a relatively stable trend in the region. The significant increase in debt service from 2005 to 2014 was likely driven by Sri Lanka's growing debt obligations, which were exacerbated by a decline in economic growth. Conversely, the debt service ratio declined from 2014 to 2025, suggesting a cautious approach to debt management. While the current debt service ratio remains relatively high, a sustained economic recovery and prudent fiscal policies could help reduce this burden, potentially positioning Sri Lanka for a more favorable debt repayment trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Debt Service | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 3.90% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 8.30% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 12.70% | - | - |
| 2025 | 12.70% | −11.00% | #54 |
| 2024 | 23.71% | +7.64% | #84 |
| 2023 | 16.07% | −4.22% | #73 |
| 2022 | 20.29% | −11.19% | #89 |
| 2021 | 31.48% | −6.53% | #103 |
| 2020 | 38.01% | +6.28% | #101 |
| 2019 | 31.73% | −4.32% | #100 |
| 2018 | 36.05% | +14.19% | #106 |
| 2017 | 21.87% | +2.96% | #91 |
| 2016 | 18.91% | −1.89% | #84 |
| 2015 | 20.80% | −17.43% | #88 |
| 2014 | 38.23% | +24.15% | #109 |
| 2013 | 14.08% | −1.42% | #84 |
| 2012 | 15.50% | +6.18% | #89 |
| 2011 | 9.32% | −3.01% | #68 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Sri Lanka matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw debt service improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Sri Lanka's debt service was 12.70% in 2025. Ranked 54th globally. This represents a 46.4% decrease from the previous year.
Sri Lanka's debt service peaked at 38.23% in 2014.
The lowest debt service in Sri Lanka was 5.54% in 2005.
Sri Lanka ranks 54th globally in debt service as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is DT.TDS.DECT.EX.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Sri Lanka's debt service is projected to reach 12.70% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The debt service of Sri Lanka in 2025 was 12.70%. This ranks 54th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_sri-lanka_debt-service,
title = {Sri Lanka Debt Service},
url = {https://historysaid.com/sri-lanka/debt-service/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}