Sri Lanka Health Spending
Current health expenditure as % of GDP SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS
Sri Lanka's health spending was 4.04% in 2025, ranked 150th globally. This represents a 9.6% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2000–2025.
Overview
Sri Lanka's health spending stood at 4.04% in 2025, a rise of +0.35% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 4.04% by 2025. Sri Lanka ranked 150th globally.
Sri Lanka's health spending as a percentage of its GDP has exhibited fluctuations over the past 25 years. The country's health expenditure peaked in 2021 at 5.19%, primarily driven by increased government investment in the sector. Conversely, the all-time trough of 3.31% occurred in 2012, suggesting a period of decreased government prioritization of healthcare. Sri Lanka's health spending ranks 150 globally, marginally below Malaysia's 4.05% and above Bahrain's 4.01%. Notably, the Democratic Republic of the Congo's 3.92% falls below Sri Lanka's trough. In recent years, Sri Lanka's health spending has increased, reaching 4.04% in 2025. Despite this growth, the trajectory remains uncertain, and any significant shift in government policies or economic conditions could impact healthcare investment, potentially altering the country's ranking and the trajectory of its healthcare system.
Data & projection
| Year | Health Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 4.00% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 4.04% | - | - |
| 2025 | 4.04% | +0.35% | #150 |
| 2023 | 3.68% | −0.30% | #28 |
| 2022 | 3.98% | −1.21% | #39 |
| 2021 | 5.19% | +0.92% | #60 |
| 2020 | 4.27% | +0.57% | #35 |
| 2019 | 3.70% | +0.06% | #29 |
| 2018 | 3.64% | +0.31% | #28 |
| 2017 | 3.33% | −0.29% | #21 |
| 2016 | 3.62% | −0.06% | #23 |
| 2015 | 3.68% | +0.21% | #28 |
| 2014 | 3.47% | −0.23% | #25 |
| 2013 | 3.69% | +0.39% | #33 |
| 2012 | 3.31% | −0.28% | #26 |
| 2011 | 3.58% | −0.16% | #33 |
| 2010 | 3.74% | −0.32% | #39 |
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 health spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Sri Lanka's health spending was 4.04% in 2025. Ranked 150th globally. This represents a 9.6% increase from the previous year.
Sri Lanka's health spending peaked at 5.19% in 2021.
The lowest health spending in Sri Lanka was 3.31% in 2012.
Sri Lanka ranks 150th globally in health spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Sri Lanka's health spending is projected to reach 4.04% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The health spending of Sri Lanka in 2025 was 4.04%. This ranks 150th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_sri-lanka_health-spending,
title = {Sri Lanka Health Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/sri-lanka/health-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}