Sri Lanka Government Spending
Government expenditure as % of GDP GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS
Sri Lanka's government spending was 17.68% in 2025, ranked 93rd globally. This represents a 2.4% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Sri Lanka's government spending stood at 17.68% in 2025, a decline of +0.44% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 17.68% by 2025. Sri Lanka ranked 93rd globally.
Sri Lanka's government spending has exhibited considerable fluctuations over the past 35 years, ranging from a peak of 25.95% of GDP in 1995 to a trough of 14.16% in 2013. During the 1995 peak, the government's fiscal stance was likely influenced by the country's post-civil war reconstruction efforts. Conversely, the 2013 trough coincided with Sri Lanka's economic recovery from a period of austerity measures. As of 2025, government spending has stabilized at 17.68% of GDP, ranking 93rd globally. This level is comparable to Tanzania's government spending, which stood at 17.79% in 2025. The country's government spending has been relatively stable in recent years, with some fluctuations in the early 2000s. A potential shift in the country's economic trajectory, such as a significant increase in public investment or a change in government policies, could alter the trajectory of government spending and influence Sri Lanka's fiscal landscape.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 17.78% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 17.68% | - | - |
| 2025 | 17.68% | −0.44% | #93 |
| 2023 | 18.11% | +2.37% | #19 |
| 2022 | 15.74% | −1.72% | #13 |
| 2021 | 17.47% | −1.60% | #29 |
| 2020 | 19.07% | +3.14% | #29 |
| 2019 | 15.93% | +0.65% | #28 |
| 2018 | 15.28% | −0.05% | #29 |
| 2017 | 15.33% | −0.33% | #26 |
| 2016 | 15.66% | −1.43% | #28 |
| 2015 | 17.09% | +2.88% | #38 |
| 2014 | 14.20% | +0.05% | #23 |
| 2013 | 14.16% | −0.91% | #21 |
| 2012 | 15.07% | −0.51% | #25 |
| 2011 | 15.58% | −0.72% | #27 |
| 2010 | 16.30% | −4.66% | #26 |
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 spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Sri Lanka's government spending was 17.68% in 2025. Ranked 93rd globally. This represents a 2.4% decrease from the previous year.
Sri Lanka's government spending peaked at 25.95% in 1995.
The lowest government spending in Sri Lanka was 14.16% in 2013.
Sri Lanka ranks 93rd globally in government spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Sri Lanka's government spending is projected to reach 17.68% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The government spending of Sri Lanka in 2025 was 17.68%. This ranks 93rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_sri-lanka_government-spending,
title = {Sri Lanka Government Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/sri-lanka/government-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}