Sri Lanka External Debt to GNI
External debt stocks as % of GNI DT.DOD.DECT.GN.ZS
Sri Lanka's external debt to gni was 66.15% in 2025, ranked 26th globally. This represents a 12.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
Sri Lanka's external debt to gni stood at 66.15% in 2025, a rise of +7.26pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 66.15% by 2025. Sri Lanka ranked 26th globally.
Sri Lanka's external debt as a share of gross national income stood at 66.15% in 2025, ranking the country 26th globally on this indicator. This follows a pronounced upward trajectory from 20.34% in 1970, the lowest point in the 56-year coverage period, to an all-time high of 81.28% in 2022, reflecting escalating debt pressures amid economic instability. The 2025 level remains above the thresholds commonly associated with medium-term debt sustainability, placing Sri Lanka in a vulnerable position relative to peer economies. For comparison, Jamaica recorded 65.32% in 2025, while Montenegro and Guinea-Bissau registered slightly higher ratios at 68.63% and 68.46%, respectively. The modest decline from the 2022 peak suggests some progress in debt restructuring and balance of payments stabilization, supported by ongoing engagement with international creditors. However, sustained improvement will depend on stronger export earnings, prudent fiscal management, and structural reforms to restore macroeconomic confidence. Without consistent growth and disciplined borrowing, the risk of renewed debt stress remains elevated in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | External Debt to GNI | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 63.33% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 64.74% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 66.15% | - | - |
| 2025 | 66.15% | +7.26pp | #26 |
| 2024 | 58.89% | −15.70pp | #75 |
| 2023 | 74.59% | −6.69pp | #95 |
| 2022 | 81.28% | +13.42pp | #95 |
| 2021 | 67.86% | −1.46pp | #88 |
| 2020 | 69.31% | +4.46pp | #79 |
| 2019 | 64.85% | +7.37pp | #84 |
| 2018 | 57.49% | +2.34pp | #79 |
| 2017 | 55.15% | +0.77pp | #76 |
| 2016 | 54.38% | +1.50pp | #77 |
| 2015 | 52.88% | +0.52pp | #81 |
| 2014 | 52.36% | +0.11pp | #82 |
| 2013 | 52.25% | +0.63pp | #81 |
| 2012 | 51.62% | +13.17pp | #78 |
| 2011 | 38.44% | +1.07pp | #70 |
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 external debt to gni improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Sri Lanka's external debt to gni was 66.15% in 2025. Ranked 26th globally. This represents a 12.3% increase from the previous year.
Sri Lanka's external debt to gni peaked at 81.28% in 2022.
The lowest external debt to gni in Sri Lanka was 20.34% in 1970.
Sri Lanka ranks 26th globally in external debt to gni as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is DT.DOD.DECT.GN.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Sri Lanka's external debt to gni is projected to reach 66.15% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The external debt to gni of Sri Lanka in 2025 was 66.15%. This ranks 26th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_sri-lanka_external-debt-to-gni,
title = {Sri Lanka External Debt to GNI},
url = {https://historysaid.com/sri-lanka/external-debt-to-gni/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}