Sri Lanka Government Debt to GDP
General government gross debt as % of GDP GGXWDG_NGDP
Sri Lanka's government debt to gdp was 100.84% in 2024, ranked 169th globally. This represents a 8.6% decrease from 2023. Data from IMF WEO, covering 1990–2024.
Overview
Sri Lanka's government debt to gdp stood at 100.84% in 2024, a decline of +9.54% from 2023. Sri Lanka ranked 169th globally.
Sri Lanka's government debt-to-GDP ratio has experienced significant fluctuations over the past three and a half decades, with the all-time peak occurring in 2022 at 115.94. This represents a substantial increase from the trough in 2012, when the ratio stood at 67.50. The country's debt burden has remained elevated in recent years, with the latest available figure from the IMF World Economic Outlook showing a debt-to-GDP ratio of 100.84, ranking 169th globally. This level of debt is comparable to that of Lao PDR, which has a ratio of 100.48. The sustained high debt levels are likely to pose challenges for Sri Lanka's fiscal management, particularly in the face of potential economic shocks or structural changes. A significant decline in the debt-to-GDP ratio would likely require a combination of fiscal consolidation, economic growth, or a reduction in interest rates.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Debt to GDP | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 100.84% | −9.54% | #169 |
| 2023 | 110.38% | −5.57% | #172 |
| 2022 | 115.94% | +13.27% | #177 |
| 2021 | 102.67% | +5.79% | #165 |
| 2020 | 96.88% | +14.29% | #156 |
| 2019 | 82.59% | −0.99% | #158 |
| 2018 | 83.59% | +11.33% | #159 |
| 2017 | 72.26% | −2.74% | #149 |
| 2016 | 75.00% | −1.33% | #146 |
| 2015 | 76.33% | +6.77% | #158 |
| 2014 | 69.56% | +0.10% | #149 |
| 2013 | 69.46% | +1.95% | #151 |
| 2012 | 67.50% | −1.92% | #153 |
| 2011 | 69.43% | +0.70% | #157 |
| 2010 | 68.73% | −4.02% | #157 |
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 government debt to gdp improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Sri Lanka's government debt to gdp was 100.84% in 2024. Ranked 169th globally. This represents a 8.6% decrease from the previous year.
Sri Lanka's government debt to gdp peaked at 115.94% in 2022.
The lowest government debt to gdp in Sri Lanka was 67.50% in 2012.
Sri Lanka ranks 169th globally in government debt to gdp as of 2024.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXWDG_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
The government debt to gdp of Sri Lanka in 2024 was 100.84%. This ranks 169th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_sri-lanka_government-debt-to-gdp,
title = {Sri Lanka Government Debt to GDP},
url = {https://historysaid.com/sri-lanka/government-debt-to-gdp/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}