Sri Lanka Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Sri Lanka's youth unemployment was 18.58% in 2025, ranked 127th globally. This represents a 2.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Sri Lanka's youth unemployment stood at 18.58% in 2025, a decline of +0.48pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 16.14% by 2026. Sri Lanka ranked 127th globally.
Sri Lanka's youth unemployment rate has fluctuated significantly over the past three and a half decades, with the highest recorded level of 36.11% in 1991. This marked the peak of the country's youth unemployment during a period of economic instability and widespread poverty. Conversely, the lowest recorded level of 16.76% was achieved in 2011, indicating a period of relative economic stability and growth. Currently, Sri Lanka's youth unemployment rate stands at 18.58%, ranking 127th globally. For comparison, countries with similar rates of youth unemployment include the Slovak Republic, where youth unemployment has hovered around 18.43% in recent years. Despite the relatively stable rate, Sri Lanka's youth unemployment remains a pressing concern, and sustained economic growth, coupled with targeted education and training initiatives, would be necessary to alter the trajectory and improve labor market prospects for the country's young workforce.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 12.89% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 14.51% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 16.14% | - | - |
| 2025 | 18.58% | −0.48pp | #127 |
| 2024 | 19.06% | −1.28pp | #130 |
| 2023 | 20.34% | −1.39pp | #136 |
| 2022 | 21.73% | −3.64pp | #138 |
| 2021 | 25.37% | −0.08pp | #146 |
| 2020 | 25.45% | +5.02pp | #137 |
| 2019 | 20.43% | −0.07pp | #133 |
| 2018 | 20.50% | +3.11pp | #128 |
| 2017 | 17.39% | −2.68pp | #113 |
| 2016 | 20.07% | +0.84pp | #121 |
| 2015 | 19.23% | +0.45pp | #117 |
| 2014 | 18.78% | +0.84pp | #112 |
| 2013 | 17.94% | +1.14pp | #107 |
| 2012 | 16.80% | +0.04pp | #100 |
| 2011 | 16.76% | −1.93pp | #98 |
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 unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Sri Lanka's youth unemployment was 18.58% in 2025. Ranked 127th globally. This represents a 2.5% decrease from the previous year.
Sri Lanka's youth unemployment peaked at 36.11% in 1991.
The lowest youth unemployment in Sri Lanka was 16.76% in 2011.
Sri Lanka ranks 127th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Sri Lanka's youth unemployment is projected to reach 16.14% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Sri Lanka in 2025 was 18.58%. This ranks 127th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_sri-lanka_youth-unemployment,
title = {Sri Lanka Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/sri-lanka/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}