Sri Lanka Youth Literacy Rate
Literacy rate among youth ages 15-24 SE.ADT.1524.LT.ZS
Sri Lanka's youth literacy rate was 99.03% in 2025, ranked 28th globally. This represents a 0.1% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1981–2025.
Overview
Sri Lanka's youth literacy rate stood at 99.03% in 2025, a decline of +0.08pp from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 99.03% by 2025. Sri Lanka ranked 28th globally.
Sri Lanka's youth literacy rate has witnessed a significant improvement over the past four decades. The indicator peaked at 99.11% in 2023, a testament to the country's sustained efforts in education. Since 1981, when the rate was 91.04%, Sri Lanka has made considerable strides, with the youth literacy rate now standing at 99.03% globally, ranking 28th. This ascent can be compared to Tunisia, which shares a similar ranking, with a youth literacy rate of 99.12%. The progress is a result of targeted initiatives and investments in education, which have been instrumental in bridging the literacy gap. However, despite the remarkable achievements, Sri Lanka continues to face challenges in ensuring universal education, particularly in rural and disadvantaged areas. A decline in government investment in education or a deterioration in the country's economic situation could potentially alter this trajectory, necessitating a reassessment of existing policies.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Literacy Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 99.05% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 99.03% | - | - |
| 2025 | 99.03% | −0.08pp | #28 |
| 2023 | 99.11% | +0.30pp | #13 |
| 2022 | 98.81% | −0.12pp | #24 |
| 2021 | 98.93% | +0.07pp | #21 |
| 2020 | 98.86% | −0.11pp | #24 |
| 2019 | 98.97% | +0.19pp | #19 |
| 2018 | 98.78% | −0.08pp | #21 |
| 2017 | 98.86% | +0.17pp | #21 |
| 2016 | 98.69% | +0.29pp | #21 |
| 2015 | 98.40% | −0.06pp | #22 |
| 2014 | 98.46% | +0.30pp | #21 |
| 2010 | 98.16% | +0.18pp | #23 |
| 2008 | 97.98% | +0.50pp | #14 |
| 2006 | 97.48% | +1.89pp | #17 |
| 2001 | 95.59% | +4.55pp | #19 |
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 youth literacy rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Sri Lanka's youth literacy rate was 99.03% in 2025. Ranked 28th globally. This represents a 0.1% decrease from the previous year.
Sri Lanka's youth literacy rate peaked at 99.11% in 2023.
The lowest youth literacy rate in Sri Lanka was 91.04% in 1981.
Sri Lanka ranks 28th globally in youth literacy rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.ADT.1524.LT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Sri Lanka's youth literacy rate is projected to reach 99.03% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth literacy rate of Sri Lanka in 2025 was 99.03%. This ranks 28th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_sri-lanka_youth-literacy-rate,
title = {Sri Lanka Youth Literacy Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/sri-lanka/youth-literacy-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}