Sri Lanka Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Sri Lanka's net migration was -30,724 in 2025, ranked 32nd globally. This represents a 12.8% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Sri Lanka's net migration stood at -30,724 in 2025, a decline of +3,479 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -29,226 by 2026. Sri Lanka ranked 32nd globally.
Sri Lanka's net migration has experienced significant fluctuations over the past 66 years, with the country witnessing a substantial peak in 1998 when the net migration rate reached 150,724 people. This was a stark contrast to the trough in 1984, when the net migration rate plummeted to -225,450 people, reflecting a substantial outflow of individuals from the country. In recent years, Sri Lanka's net migration has shifted towards a negative trend, with the latest available data indicating a net migration rate of -30,724 people in 2025, placing it among the countries with the most significant negative net migration rates globally, alongside countries like Slovak Republic and Cambodia. This trend suggests that Sri Lanka may continue to experience a decline in its population due to emigration, unless economic conditions improve and the country's attractiveness as a destination for migrants increases.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | -29,643 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | -29,435 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -29,226 | - | - |
| 2025 | -30,724 | −3,479 | #32 |
| 2024 | -27,245 | +766 | #33 |
| 2023 | -28,011 | −576 | #30 |
| 2022 | -27,435 | +2,151 | #29 |
| 2021 | -29,586 | +289 | #28 |
| 2020 | -29,875 | −1,449 | #23 |
| 2019 | -28,426 | +181 | #35 |
| 2018 | -28,607 | −6,283 | #34 |
| 2017 | -22,324 | −3,936 | #44 |
| 2016 | -18,388 | +11,409 | #45 |
| 2015 | -29,797 | +3,875 | #39 |
| 2014 | -33,672 | +4,082 | #37 |
| 2013 | -37,754 | +4,201 | #30 |
| 2012 | -41,955 | +48,884 | #33 |
| 2011 | -90,839 | +7,221 | #17 |
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 net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Sri Lanka's net migration was -30,724 in 2025. Ranked 32nd globally. This represents a 12.8% decrease from the previous year.
Sri Lanka's net migration peaked at 150,724 in 1998.
The lowest net migration in Sri Lanka was -225,450 in 1984.
Sri Lanka ranks 32nd globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Sri Lanka's net migration is projected to reach -29,226 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Sri Lanka in 2025 was -30,724. This ranks 32nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_sri-lanka_net-migration,
title = {Sri Lanka Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/sri-lanka/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}