Sri Lanka Regulatory Quality
Regulatory Quality RQ.EST
Sri Lanka's regulatory quality was -0.79 in 2025, ranked 158th globally. This represents a 56.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank WGI, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
Sri Lanka's regulatory quality stood at -0.79 in 2025, a decline of +0.29 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -0.79 by 2025. Sri Lanka ranked 158th globally.
Sri Lanka's Regulatory Quality has experienced a significant decline over the past two and a half decades, according to the World Bank's Worldwide Governance Indicators. Starting from a score of 0.06 in 1996, the country's regulatory environment improved steadily, reaching its all-time peak of 0.16 in 2000. However, since then, the trend has reversed, with Sri Lanka's Regulatory Quality plummeting to -0.79 in 2025, ranking it 158 globally. This score is comparable to those of peer countries such as Malawi and the Kyrgyz Republic, both of which have scored -0.77 and -0.80, respectively. The sharp deterioration in Sri Lanka's regulatory environment is concerning, as it may hinder economic growth and development. A reversal of this trend requires meaningful policy reforms and institutional strengthening, particularly in areas such as rule of law, control of corruption, and government effectiveness.
Data & projection
| Year | Regulatory Quality | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -0.89 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | -0.79 | - | - |
| 2025 | -0.79 | −0.29 | #158 |
| 2023 | -0.51 | +0.15 | #135 |
| 2022 | -0.65 | −0.26 | #147 |
| 2021 | -0.39 | −0.16 | #124 |
| 2020 | -0.23 | +0.01 | #114 |
| 2019 | -0.23 | −0.01 | #113 |
| 2018 | -0.22 | −0.06 | #110 |
| 2017 | -0.16 | −0.04 | #108 |
| 2016 | -0.12 | −0.06 | #101 |
| 2015 | -0.06 | +0.05 | #97 |
| 2014 | -0.11 | +0.06 | #100 |
| 2013 | -0.17 | −0.04 | #107 |
| 2012 | -0.13 | +0.01 | #102 |
| 2011 | -0.13 | +0.12 | #99 |
| 2010 | -0.25 | +0.05 | #111 |
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 regulatory quality improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Sri Lanka's regulatory quality was -0.79 in 2025. Ranked 158th globally. This represents a 56.2% decrease from the previous year.
Sri Lanka's regulatory quality peaked at 0.16 in 2000.
The lowest regulatory quality in Sri Lanka was -0.79 in 2025.
Sri Lanka ranks 158th globally in regulatory quality as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is RQ.EST. Data sourced from World Bank WGI.
Sri Lanka's regulatory quality is projected to reach -0.79 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The regulatory quality of Sri Lanka in 2025 was -0.79. This ranks 158th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_sri-lanka_regulatory-quality,
title = {Sri Lanka Regulatory Quality},
url = {https://historysaid.com/sri-lanka/regulatory-quality/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}