Sri Lanka is quietly entering a new chapter in its history — one marked by fewer babies, longer lives, and a rapidly ageing population.

According to the preliminary findings of the 2024 Census of Population and Housing, released in Colombo this week, the island’s total population now stands at 21,763,170, an increase of just over 1.4 million since 2012. But beneath that modest rise lies a dramatic story: Sri Lanka’s annual population growth rate has dropped to just 0.5 percent, the lowest in decades.

For the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS), which carried out the massive nationwide operation with technical support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the numbers tell a story that goes far beyond statistics.

“This is more than a release of data — it’s a mirror held up to our nation,” said Shyamalie Karunaratne, Director General of DCS, speaking at the event held on Thursday in Colombo. “It tells us who we are becoming as a people, and how our future must be shaped with evidence and empathy.”

For the first time in 150 years, Sri Lanka’s census went fully digital — a technological leap that allowed for faster, more accurate, and more inclusive data collection. Despite challenges in areas like Colombo and Gampaha, where final enumeration extended into early 2025, the DCS managed to deliver a complete picture of a nation in demographic transition.

At the heart of the findings lies a simple but profound truth: Sri Lanka is ageing — fast. Fewer children are being born, and more people are living longer.

“The message is clear: fewer babies are being born,” said a UNFPA representative. “This slowdown, combined with low fertility and rapid ageing, signals a fundamental shift in Sri Lanka’s age structure.”

Experts describe this as a “demographic turning point.” The country that once celebrated its youthful energy now faces a shrinking labour force and a rising elderly population. The implications stretch across every sector — from education and employment to healthcare and pensions.

According to the UNFPA’s State of World Population Report, when fertility declines, nations must pivot their focus — from managing population growth to investing in people, especially women and youth. “The key,” the report notes, “is to build societies that can age gracefully — with dignity, productivity, and inclusion.”

At Thursday’s event, the tone was both reflective and forward-looking. Government officials, academics, and media professionals gathered not just to discuss data, but to explore what it means for families, communities, and the country’s future.

UNFPA urged policymakers to look beyond averages. “Behind every number is a human being,” the representative said. “We must use this granular data — disaggregated by age, gender, disability, and location — to ensure no one is left behind.”

The agency also highlighted the need for gender-responsive data, which shines light on issues such as women’s participation in the workforce and disparities in education. “When women thrive, societies thrive,” the official added.

One of the day’s most striking messages was directed at the media. UNFPA emphasized the role of journalists in communicating data accurately and sensitively, avoiding misrepresentation or “demographic anxiety.”

As the country grapples with slower population growth, there is a risk of misunderstanding the numbers — of viewing fewer births as crisis, rather than transition. “This is not about fear,” said  Karunaratne. “It’s about foresight.”

In the coming months, the Department of Census and Statistics will release a series of thematic reports focusing on youth, older persons, migrants, and persons with disabilities. The full Census Report is expected in December 2025.

For now, the release of the 2024 data marks a symbolic turning point — a moment when Sri Lanka steps back to look at itself anew.

As one participant at the workshop put it, “We’ve always looked at our children as our future. Now we must also look at our elders as our teachers — the ones who show us how to adapt, survive, and live with purpose.”

By Ifham Nizam ✍️