Literacy Rate: Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's literacy rate is currently 92.7% as of 2024. # Sri Lanka Literacy Rate Sri Lanka's literacy rate reached 92.
Current (2024)
92.7%
+0.1% y/y
Peak (2024)
92.7%
Low (1981)
86.8%
Source
World Bank World Development Indicators
1981–2024 · 16 pts
Literacy Rate — Sri Lanka
1981 — 2024
Literacy Rate — Sri Lanka
Analysis# Sri Lanka Literacy Rate
Sri Lanka's literacy rate reached 92.74% in 2024, matching its all-time peak and representing substantial progress since 1981, when the rate stood at 86.78%. Over the 43-year span, the nation improved by 5.96 percentage points, reflecting consistent investment in education and expanding access to learning opportunities across the population.
Recent data from 2015 to 2024 reveals a stabilized high plateau, with the rate hovering between 91.71% and 92.74%. After dipping to 91.71% in 2018, Sri Lanka's literacy rate recovered and has remained above 92.4% since 2019. This sustained elevation at near-peak levels suggests the country has consolidated its educational gains and established strong foundational literacy infrastructure across its population.
Historical Data
16 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 92.7% | +0.09% |
| 2023 | 92.7% | +0.18% |
| 2022 | 92.5% | +0.06% |
| 2021 | 92.4% | +0.05% |
| 2020 | 92.4% | +0.14% |
| 2019 | 92.3% | +0.59% |
| 2018 | 91.7% | -0.21% |
| 2017 | 91.9% | -0.53% |
| 2016 | 92.4% | -0.18% |
| 2015 | 92.6% | +0.02% |
| 2014 | 92.5% | +1.49% |
| 2010 | 91.2% | +0.68% |
| 2008 | 90.6% | -0.28% |
| 2006 | 90.8% | +0.14% |
| 2001 | 90.7% | +4.49% |
| 1981 | 86.8% | — |
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