Sri Lanka Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
Sri Lanka's female labor participation was 30.99% in 2025, ranked 162nd globally. This represents a 0.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Sri Lanka's female labor participation stood at 30.99% in 2025, a decline of +0.01pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 30.52% by 2026. Sri Lanka ranked 162nd globally.
Sri Lanka's female labor participation rate has experienced a significant decline over the past three decades, from its all-time peak of 45.15% in 1990 to a low of 29.60% in 2023. This represents a downward trajectory of over 15 percentage points, with the country slipping to 162nd globally in terms of female participation. In comparison, Samoa, a peer country, has maintained a relatively stable rate, standing at 30.74% in 2025. Sri Lanka's decline in female labor participation is likely tied to various socio-economic factors, including limited access to education and job opportunities. The latest figure of 30.99% in 2025, while an improvement from the trough, still indicates a pressing need for policy interventions to promote women's economic empowerment. A reversal of this trend may require targeted initiatives aimed at enhancing women's access to education, vocational training, and job markets, which could potentially improve Sri Lanka's female labor participation rate and enhance its global ranking.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 30.26% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 30.39% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 30.52% | - | - |
| 2025 | 30.99% | −0.01pp | #162 |
| 2024 | 31.00% | +1.40pp | #163 |
| 2023 | 29.60% | −2.01pp | #165 |
| 2022 | 31.61% | +0.28pp | #162 |
| 2021 | 31.33% | −0.33pp | #164 |
| 2020 | 31.66% | −2.39pp | #161 |
| 2019 | 34.05% | +0.95pp | #161 |
| 2018 | 33.11% | −2.99pp | #162 |
| 2017 | 36.09% | +0.84pp | #159 |
| 2016 | 35.25% | −0.08pp | #159 |
| 2015 | 35.33% | +2.12pp | #157 |
| 2014 | 33.21% | −0.66pp | #160 |
| 2013 | 33.87% | +1.22pp | #159 |
| 2012 | 32.65% | −1.30pp | #162 |
| 2011 | 33.95% | −0.02pp | #159 |
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 female labor participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Sri Lanka's female labor participation was 30.99% in 2025. Ranked 162nd globally. This represents a 0.0% decrease from the previous year.
Sri Lanka's female labor participation peaked at 45.15% in 1990.
The lowest female labor participation in Sri Lanka was 29.60% in 2023.
Sri Lanka ranks 162nd globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Sri Lanka's female labor participation is projected to reach 30.52% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of Sri Lanka in 2025 was 30.99%. This ranks 162nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_sri-lanka_female-labor-participation,
title = {Sri Lanka Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/sri-lanka/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}