Sri Lanka FDI Inflows
Foreign direct investment, net inflows as % of GDP BX.KLT.DINV.WD.GD.ZS
Sri Lanka's fdi inflows was 1.01% in 2025, ranked 142nd globally. This represents a 30.9% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1970–2025.
Overview
Sri Lanka's fdi inflows stood at 1.01% in 2025, a rise of +0.24% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1.01% by 2025. Sri Lanka ranked 142nd globally.
Sri Lanka’s foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, measured as a percentage of GDP, stood at 1.01 in 2025, ranking the country 142nd globally, a position similar to that of Eswatini, which recorded 0.99. Over a 56-year period since 1970, the island nation’s FDI performance has been marked by volatility, beginning with a minimal inflow of -0.01 and reaching an all-time peak of 2.85 in 1997, a high point driven by post-liberalization reforms and increased investor interest in export-oriented manufacturing. The deepest decline occurred in 1977, when inflows fell to -0.03, reflecting economic instability during that era. Despite intermittent policy efforts to attract investment through special economic zones and bilateral agreements, FDI has remained below its late-1990s high, constrained by structural challenges, political uncertainty, and periodic debt crises. In recent years, levels have stabilized around 1.0%, trailing peers such as Morocco at 0.90 and New Zealand at 1.08. Without substantial improvements in governance, infrastructure, and macroeconomic stability, Sri Lanka is unlikely to see a sustained rebound in foreign investment. A meaningful turnaround would require consistent policy implementation and enhanced investor confidence.
Data & projection
| Year | FDI Inflows | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 1.15% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 1.08% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 1.01% | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.01% | +0.24% | #142 |
| 2024 | 0.77% | −0.08% | #142 |
| 2023 | 0.85% | −0.34% | #139 |
| 2022 | 1.19% | +0.52% | #144 |
| 2021 | 0.67% | +0.15% | #157 |
| 2020 | 0.51% | −0.32% | #139 |
| 2019 | 0.84% | −0.87% | #151 |
| 2018 | 1.71% | +0.25% | #124 |
| 2017 | 1.45% | +0.44% | #147 |
| 2016 | 1.02% | +0.22% | #147 |
| 2015 | 0.80% | −0.28% | #150 |
| 2014 | 1.08% | −0.13% | #150 |
| 2013 | 1.21% | −0.12% | #147 |
| 2012 | 1.34% | −0.07% | #153 |
| 2011 | 1.41% | +0.60% | #155 |
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 fdi inflows improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Sri Lanka's fdi inflows was 1.01% in 2025. Ranked 142nd globally. This represents a 30.9% increase from the previous year.
Sri Lanka's fdi inflows peaked at 2.85% in 1997.
The lowest fdi inflows in Sri Lanka was -0.03% in 1977.
Sri Lanka ranks 142nd globally in fdi inflows as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is BX.KLT.DINV.WD.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Sri Lanka's fdi inflows is projected to reach 1.01% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The fdi inflows of Sri Lanka in 2025 was 1.01%. This ranks 142nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_sri-lanka_fdi-inflows,
title = {Sri Lanka FDI Inflows},
url = {https://historysaid.com/sri-lanka/fdi-inflows/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}