Sri Lanka Interest Payments to Revenue
Interest payments as % of revenue GC.XPN.INTP.RV.ZS
Sri Lanka's interest payments to revenue was 98.10% in 2025, ranked 1st globally. This represents a 22.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Sri Lanka's interest payments to revenue stood at 98.10% in 2025, a rise of +18.23pp from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 98.10% by 2025. Sri Lanka ranked 1st globally.
Sri Lanka's interest payments to revenue ratio has consistently trended upward, with the latest value of 98.10% in 2025 marking the highest level in the country's 35-year coverage. This extreme burden has surpassed that of peer countries such as Ghana, which had a ratio of 61.44% in 2025. The all-time peak reached in 2025 is a stark contrast to the all-time trough of 26.18% in 1991, when the country's economic fundamentals were more stable. Sri Lanka's increasing reliance on debt servicing has led to a precarious financial situation, with limited room for fiscal maneuvering. A notable shift in the trajectory of this trend could come from a reduction in borrowing costs, which would ease the fiscal strain and allow for a more balanced allocation of resources. However, without significant reforms and a more sustainable debt management strategy, Sri Lanka's interest payments to revenue ratio is likely to remain at elevated levels, posing a persistent challenge to the country's economic stability.
Data & projection
| Year | Interest Payments to Revenue | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 105.22% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 98.10% | - | - |
| 2025 | 98.10% | +18.23pp | #1 |
| 2023 | 79.87% | +2.10pp | #97 |
| 2022 | 77.77% | +6.15pp | #112 |
| 2021 | 71.62% | +0.24pp | #125 |
| 2020 | 71.38% | +23.91pp | #134 |
| 2019 | 47.47% | +3.37pp | #134 |
| 2018 | 44.10% | +4.11pp | #133 |
| 2017 | 39.99% | +3.91pp | #139 |
| 2016 | 36.08% | +1.19pp | #138 |
| 2015 | 34.89% | −1.87pp | #140 |
| 2014 | 36.76% | −1.73pp | #137 |
| 2013 | 38.50% | +0.20pp | #127 |
| 2012 | 38.30% | +0.72pp | #131 |
| 2011 | 37.57% | −4.70pp | #126 |
| 2010 | 42.27% | −0.41pp | #123 |
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 interest payments to revenue improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Sri Lanka's interest payments to revenue was 98.10% in 2025. Ranked 1st globally. This represents a 22.8% increase from the previous year.
Sri Lanka's interest payments to revenue peaked at 98.10% in 2025.
The lowest interest payments to revenue in Sri Lanka was 26.18% in 1991.
Sri Lanka ranks 1st globally in interest payments to revenue as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GC.XPN.INTP.RV.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Sri Lanka's interest payments to revenue is projected to reach 98.10% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The interest payments to revenue of Sri Lanka in 2025 was 98.10%. This ranks 1st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_sri-lanka_interest-to-revenue,
title = {Sri Lanka Interest Payments to Revenue},
url = {https://historysaid.com/sri-lanka/interest-to-revenue/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}