Sri Lanka Tax Revenue
Tax revenue as % of GDP GC.TAX.TOTL.GD.ZS
Sri Lanka's tax revenue was 7.66% in 2025, ranked 110th globally. This represents a 22.7% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Sri Lanka's tax revenue stood at 7.66% in 2025, a decline of +2.26% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 7.66% by 2025. Sri Lanka ranked 110th globally.
Sri Lanka's Tax Revenue as a percentage of GDP has demonstrated a downward trend over the past three and a half decades, with a marked decline from its all-time peak of 19.02 in 1990 to a low of 7.28 in 2022. The country's tax revenue has been struggling to recover, with a value of 7.66 in 2025, placing it at number 110 globally. In comparison, peer countries such as Saudi Arabia have maintained higher tax revenue levels, with a value of 7.83 in 2025. The significant drop in tax revenue is a concern, considering the country's need for fiscal sustainability. China, another peer, has shown a relatively stable tax revenue trajectory, with a value of 7.13 in 2025, closer to Sri Lanka's current level. A sustained economic recovery and increased fiscal discipline are crucial for Sri Lanka to reverse this trend and improve its tax revenue performance.
Data & projection
| Year | Tax Revenue | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 7.42% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 7.66% | - | - |
| 2025 | 7.66% | −2.26% | #110 |
| 2023 | 9.92% | +2.64% | #9 |
| 2022 | 7.28% | −0.09% | #6 |
| 2021 | 7.37% | −0.41% | #6 |
| 2020 | 7.78% | −3.13% | #8 |
| 2019 | 10.90% | −0.25% | #21 |
| 2018 | 11.15% | −0.45% | #25 |
| 2017 | 11.61% | +0.19% | #32 |
| 2016 | 11.42% | −0.30% | #30 |
| 2015 | 11.72% | +1.97% | #31 |
| 2014 | 9.75% | −0.37% | #17 |
| 2013 | 10.12% | +0.01% | #19 |
| 2012 | 10.11% | −0.74% | #21 |
| 2011 | 10.85% | −0.08% | #23 |
| 2010 | 10.93% | −1.87% | #27 |
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 tax revenue improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Sri Lanka's tax revenue was 7.66% in 2025. Ranked 110th globally. This represents a 22.7% decrease from the previous year.
Sri Lanka's tax revenue peaked at 19.02% in 1990.
The lowest tax revenue in Sri Lanka was 7.28% in 2022.
Sri Lanka ranks 110th globally in tax revenue as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GC.TAX.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Sri Lanka's tax revenue is projected to reach 7.66% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The tax revenue of Sri Lanka in 2025 was 7.66%. This ranks 110th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_sri-lanka_tax-revenue,
title = {Sri Lanka Tax Revenue},
url = {https://historysaid.com/sri-lanka/tax-revenue/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}