Sri Lanka Government Effectiveness
Government Effectiveness GE.EST
Sri Lanka's government effectiveness was -0.42 in 2025, ranked 128th globally. This represents a 66.4% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Sri Lanka's government effectiveness stood at -0.42 in 2025, a decline of +0.17 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -0.42 by 2025. Sri Lanka ranked 128th globally.
Sri Lanka's Government Effectiveness, as measured by the World Bank's Worldwide Governance Indicators, has experienced significant fluctuations over the past two and a half decades. The country's all-time peak in 2014, with a score of 0.07, suggests a period of relative stability under the Mahinda Rajapaksa administration. Conversely, the all-time trough in 1998, with a score of -0.46, marked a time of intense conflict and economic turmoil following the assassination of President Ranasinghe Premadasa. Sri Lanka's current ranking of #128 globally, with a score of -0.42, is comparable to that of peer countries such as South Africa and Ecuador. While the country has made progress in improving governance since its 1998 low, its score has declined since 2014. A sustained and concerted effort to address corruption, improve bureaucratic efficiency, and enhance transparency would be necessary to alter the trajectory of Sri Lanka's Government Effectiveness and improve its global ranking.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Effectiveness | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -0.48 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -0.42 | - | - |
| 2025 | -0.42 | −0.17 | #128 |
| 2023 | -0.25 | +0.14 | #118 |
| 2022 | -0.39 | −0.28 | #129 |
| 2021 | -0.12 | −0.04 | #102 |
| 2020 | -0.08 | +0.05 | #99 |
| 2019 | -0.12 | +0.13 | #106 |
| 2018 | -0.26 | −0.08 | #114 |
| 2017 | -0.17 | −0.15 | #107 |
| 2016 | -0.03 | −0.02 | #95 |
| 2015 | -0.01 | −0.07 | #94 |
| 2014 | 0.07 | +0.24 | #83 |
| 2013 | -0.17 | +0.04 | #103 |
| 2012 | -0.20 | −0.09 | #106 |
| 2011 | -0.11 | +0.09 | #95 |
| 2010 | -0.20 | −0.05 | #105 |
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 effectiveness improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Sri Lanka's government effectiveness was -0.42 in 2025. Ranked 128th globally. This represents a 66.4% decrease from the previous year.
Sri Lanka's government effectiveness peaked at 0.07 in 2014.
The lowest government effectiveness in Sri Lanka was -0.46 in 1998.
Sri Lanka ranks 128th globally in government effectiveness as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GE.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Sri Lanka's government effectiveness is projected to reach -0.42 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The government effectiveness of Sri Lanka in 2025 was -0.42. This ranks 128th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_sri-lanka_government-effectiveness,
title = {Sri Lanka Government Effectiveness},
url = {https://historysaid.com/sri-lanka/government-effectiveness/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}