Sri Lanka Income Share Top 10%
Income share held by highest 10% SI.DST.10TH.10
Sri Lanka's income share top 10% was 30.80% in 2019, ranked 62nd globally. This represents a 5.5% decrease from 2018. Data from World Bank, covering 1985–2019.
Overview
Sri Lanka's income share top 10% stood at 30.80% in 2019, a decline of +1.80pp from 2016. Sri Lanka ranked 62nd globally.
Sri Lanka's income share held by the top 10% population has exhibited a moderate level of inequality, with the latest available data from 2019 indicating a share of 30.80%. This ranks the country #62 globally. The indicator has experienced fluctuations over the years, with the highest recorded share occurring in 2002 at 32.70%, a level that surpasses that of some of Sri Lanka's peer countries, such as Bolivia and Malawi. On the other hand, the lowest recorded share was in 1985 at 26.40%, a trough that has yet to be surpassed by the country's subsequent growth. Despite this, the income share of the top 10% remains relatively stable, with a 4.40% increase from the 1985 trough. However, a potential shift in the country's economic trajectory, such as significant investments in social welfare programs or structural reforms, could alter the trend and potentially lead to a more equitable distribution of income.
Data & projection
| Year | Income Share Top 10% | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 30.80% | −1.80pp | #62 |
| 2016 | 32.60% | +0.70pp | #68 |
| 2012 | 31.90% | +2.30pp | #69 |
| 2009 | 29.60% | −2.70pp | #52 |
| 2006 | 32.30% | −0.40pp | #58 |
| 2002 | 32.70% | +3.70pp | #46 |
| 1995 | 29.00% | +1.50pp | #28 |
| 1990 | 27.50% | +1.10pp | #12 |
| 1985 | 26.40% | – | #9 |
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 income share top 10% improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Sri Lanka's income share top 10% was 30.80% in 2019. Ranked 62nd globally. This represents a 5.5% decrease from the previous year.
Sri Lanka's income share top 10% peaked at 32.70% in 2002.
The lowest income share top 10% in Sri Lanka was 26.40% in 1985.
Sri Lanka ranks 62nd globally in income share top 10% as of 2019.
The World Bank indicator code is SI.DST.10TH.10. Data sourced from World Bank.
The income share top 10% of Sri Lanka in 2019 was 30.80%. This ranks 62nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_sri-lanka_income-top-10,
title = {Sri Lanka Income Share Top 10%},
url = {https://historysaid.com/sri-lanka/income-top-10/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}