Sri Lanka Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Sri Lanka's labor force participation was 48.52% in 2025, ranked 160th globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Sri Lanka's labor force participation stood at 48.52% in 2025, a decline of +0.08pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 47.69% by 2026. Sri Lanka ranked 160th globally.
Sri Lanka's labor force participation rate has exhibited a downward trend over the past three and a half decades. At its peak in 1990, the rate reached 61.45%, a figure that has not been surpassed since. Conversely, the all-time trough of 47.40% was observed in 2023, indicating a significant decline in labor force participation. As of 2025, the rate stands at 48.52%, ranking Sri Lanka 160th globally. Bosnia and Herzegovina, a peer country, boasts a higher labor force participation rate of 48.99%, highlighting the disparity between the two nations. The decline in labor force participation in Sri Lanka is particularly concerning, given the country's reliance on its workforce to drive economic growth. A reversal of this trend may depend on the country's ability to address its economic challenges, including high unemployment and a struggling economy, which would require effective policy interventions and investments in human capital development.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 46.93% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 47.31% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 47.69% | - | - |
| 2025 | 48.52% | −0.08pp | #160 |
| 2024 | 48.60% | +1.20pp | #160 |
| 2023 | 47.40% | −2.33pp | #163 |
| 2022 | 49.73% | −0.11pp | #159 |
| 2021 | 49.84% | −0.66pp | #157 |
| 2020 | 50.50% | −1.75pp | #155 |
| 2019 | 52.25% | +0.53pp | #151 |
| 2018 | 51.72% | −2.27pp | #153 |
| 2017 | 53.99% | +0.27pp | #146 |
| 2016 | 53.73% | +0.06pp | #145 |
| 2015 | 53.67% | +2.07pp | #147 |
| 2014 | 51.60% | −0.45pp | #152 |
| 2013 | 52.05% | −0.52pp | #149 |
| 2012 | 52.57% | −0.30pp | #148 |
| 2011 | 52.87% | −0.43pp | #145 |
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 labor force participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Sri Lanka's labor force participation was 48.52% in 2025. Ranked 160th globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from the previous year.
Sri Lanka's labor force participation peaked at 61.45% in 1990.
The lowest labor force participation in Sri Lanka was 47.40% in 2023.
Sri Lanka ranks 160th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Sri Lanka's labor force participation is projected to reach 47.69% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Sri Lanka in 2025 was 48.52%. This ranks 160th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_sri-lanka_labor-force-participation,
title = {Sri Lanka Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/sri-lanka/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}