Sri Lanka: public finances

What is the public debt of Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka's general government gross debt was 96.8% of GDP in 2025, according to the IMF World Economic Outlook (October 2026), down from 100.2% in 2024 and 115.9% in 2022. The IMF projects 95.2% for 2026.

The ratio covers domestic and external debt owed by government. It moves with the rupee's exchange rate, because external debt is owed in foreign currency, and with growth in nominal GDP.

Official sources: IMF DataMapper: General government gross debt, Sri Lanka

What is the budget deficit of Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka's general government deficit was 2.3% of GDP in 2025, according to the IMF World Economic Outlook (October 2026), after 5.4% in 2024 and 10.2% in 2022. The IMF projects 4.2% for 2026.

The deficit is the gap between government revenue, including grants, and spending, for general government. The Ministry of Finance publishes annual budget documents and fiscal reports with the national figures for central government.

Official sources: IMF DataMapper: General government net lending/borrowing, Sri Lanka

What is Sri Lanka's debt to GDP ratio?

The IMF puts general government gross debt in Sri Lanka at 96.8% of GDP in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2022, at 115.9% of GDP; its low point was 2012, at 67.5% of GDP. Across South Asia the middle value was 90.5% of GDP, and Sri Lanka placed 3rd highest of 6. World rank, highest first: 26th of 185.

Does Sri Lanka's government borrow more than it raises?

The IMF puts general government net lending or borrowing in Sri Lanka at -2.3% of GDP in 2025, a deficit. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. South Asia median: -2.9% of GDP; Sri Lanka is 2nd highest of 6. Of 188 countries with 2025 data, 83rd highest.

How much does Sri Lanka's government take in?

The IMF puts general government revenue in Sri Lanka at 16.7% of GDP in 2025. No year since 2005 has been higher. Across South Asia the middle value was 20.3% of GDP, and Sri Lanka placed 5th highest of 6. Worldwide: 152nd of 187.

How big is Sri Lanka's government spending as a share of GDP?

19.0% of GDP: that is general government spending in Sri Lanka for 2025, according to the IMF. The peak was 22.1% of GDP in 2020 and the low 16.6% of GDP in 2013. It is 5th highest of 6 in South Asia, where the median is 24.9% of GDP. Worldwide: 158th of 186.

What is tax revenue in Sri Lanka?

In 2023, central government tax revenue in Sri Lanka was 9.9% of GDP, according to the IMF. Since 2005 it has ranged from 7.3% of GDP (2022) to 14.6% of GDP (2006). Worldwide: 100th of 110.

How much does Sri Lanka spend on its military?

The latest figure from SIPRI, for 2025, is 1.3% of GDP. The peak was 3.3% of GDP in 2007 and the low 1.3% of GDP in 2024. Worldwide: 92nd of 149.