Sri Lanka: housing

How many people in Sri Lanka have clean water and sanitation?

90.2% of Sri Lanka's population used at least basic drinking water services in 2024, and 95.4% used at least basic sanitation, according to the World Bank, based on the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme.

A basic service means an improved source, such as piped water or a protected well, within a 30-minute round trip; basic sanitation means an improved toilet not shared with other households. Electricity access was 100% in 2024 on the World Bank electricity indicator.

Official sources: World Bank: People using at least basic drinking water services, Sri Lanka · World Bank: People using at least basic sanitation services, Sri Lanka · World Bank: Access to electricity, Sri Lanka

How many people in Sri Lanka live in cities?

The UN Population Division puts the share of people living in urban areas in Sri Lanka at 20.5% in 2025. No year since 2005 has been higher. South Asia median: 39.1%; Sri Lanka is 6th highest of 6. Of 193 countries with 2025 data, 188th highest.

How many people in Sri Lanka live in slums?

In 2022, the share of city dwellers living in slums in Sri Lanka was 44.7%, according to UN-Habitat. No year since 2006 has been lower. It is 2nd highest of 5 in South Asia, where the median is 44.7%. World rank, highest first: 46th of 170.

What is the electricity access rate in Sri Lanka?

The World Bank puts the share of people with access to electricity in Sri Lanka at 100.0% in 2024. That is the highest since at least 2005. It is 1st highest of 6 in South Asia, where the median is 100.0%. World rank, highest first: 1st of 193.

How many people in Sri Lanka have clean water?

According to WHO and UNICEF, the share of people using safely managed drinking water in Sri Lanka was 46.9% in 2024. Its high point since 2005 was 2018, at 48.1%; its low point was 2005, at 45.7%. It is 4th highest of 5 in South Asia, where the median is 59.1%. World rank, highest first: 98th of 134.

What share of homes in Sri Lanka cook with clean fuels?

The latest figure from the WHO, for 2024, is 31.0%. Its high point since 2005 was 2019, at 32.0%; its low point was 2005, at 18.0%. South Asia median: 63.0%; Sri Lanka is 5th highest of 6. World rank, highest first: 154th of 192.