Education Spending: Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's education spending is currently 1.828 % of GDP as of 2023. # Sri Lanka Education Spending Sri Lanka allocated 1.
Current (2023)
1.828 % of GDP
+51.8% y/y
Peak (1996)
3.344 % of GDP
Low (2022)
1.204 % of GDP
Source
World Bank World Development Indicators
1973–2023 · 33 pts
Education Spending — Sri Lanka
1973 — 2023
Education Spending — Sri Lanka
Analysis# Sri Lanka Education Spending
Sri Lanka allocated 1.828% of its GDP to education in 2023, representing a modest recovery from 2022's all-time low of 1.204%. This current level remains far below the country's peak investment of 3.344% in 1996, and reflects a steep 44.9% decline since 1973. Over five decades, Sri Lanka has consistently reduced its education spending relative to economic output, signaling shifting fiscal priorities.
The past decade reveals significant volatility rather than steady decline. Education spending climbed to 3.229% in 2016—the highest level in 20 years—before collapsing to historic lows in 2021-2022. The 2023 rebound to 1.828% suggests a tentative reversal of the recent downward pressure, though sustained improvement remains uncertain. Sustained investment patterns will be critical for Sri Lanka's human capital development going forward.
Historical Data
33 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1.828 % of GDP | +51.83% |
| 2022 | 1.204 % of GDP | -20.11% |
| 2021 | 1.507 % of GDP | -3.27% |
| 2020 | 1.558 % of GDP | -21.63% |
| 2018 | 1.988 % of GDP | -23.33% |
| 2017 | 2.593 % of GDP | -19.70% |
| 2016 | 3.229 % of GDP | +53.03% |
| 2015 | 2.11 % of GDP | +13.50% |
| 2014 | 1.859 % of GDP | +18.79% |
| 2013 | 1.565 % of GDP | +7.71% |
| 2012 | 1.453 % of GDP | -16.64% |
| 2011 | 1.743 % of GDP | +4.87% |
| 2010 | 1.662 % of GDP | -19.16% |
| 2009 | 2.056 % of GDP | -32.61% |
| 1998 | 3.051 % of GDP | -8.76% |
| 1996 | 3.344 % of GDP | +13.05% |
| 1995 | 2.958 % of GDP | -4.86% |
| 1994 | 3.109 % of GDP | +6.62% |
| 1991 | 2.916 % of GDP | +20.95% |
| 1990 | 2.411 % of GDP | -12.49% |
Show all 33 rows
| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 2.755 % of GDP | -2.51% |
| 1988 | 2.826 % of GDP | +6.88% |
| 1987 | 2.644 % of GDP | -5.74% |
| 1986 | 2.805 % of GDP | +8.89% |
| 1985 | 2.576 % of GDP | +18.98% |
| 1984 | 2.165 % of GDP | -9.45% |
| 1983 | 2.391 % of GDP | -6.57% |
| 1982 | 2.559 % of GDP | +4.79% |
| 1981 | 2.442 % of GDP | -9.69% |
| 1980 | 2.704 % of GDP | +5.34% |
| 1979 | 2.567 % of GDP | -6.48% |
| 1975 | 2.745 % of GDP | -17.22% |
| 1973 | 3.316 % of GDP | — |
Related Data
Other Metrics
For Sri Lanka
Compare Education Spending
Same metric, other countries
Demographics
People & population data