Unemployment rate (IMF) in Sri Lanka in 2024 — 4.4%. Ranked 42 in the world out of 108. Since 1990, the indicator has fallen by 11.5 pp.
1990–2024 · % of labor force
| Year | % | Change, pp |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 4.4 | −0.3 pp |
| 2023 | 4.7 | +0 pp |
| 2022 | 4.7 | −0.4 pp |
| 2021 | 5.1 | −0.4 pp |
| 2020 | 5.5 | +0.7 pp |
| 2019 | 4.8 | +0.4 pp |
| 2018 | 4.4 | +0.2 pp |
| 2017 | 4.2 | −0.2 pp |
| 2016 | 4.4 | −0.3 pp |
| 2015 | 4.7 | +0.4 pp |
| 2014 | 4.3 | −0.1 pp |
| 2013 | 4.4 | +0.4 pp |
| 2012 | 4 | −0.1 pp |
| 2011 | 4.1 | −0.9 pp |
| 2010 | 5 | −0.9 pp |
| 2009 | 5.9 | −0.1 pp |
| 2008 | 6 | −0.2 pp |
| 2007 | 6.2 | −0.4 pp |
| 2006 | 6.6 | −1.1 pp |
| 2005 | 7.7 | −0.6 pp |
| 2004 | 8.3 | −0.1 pp |
| 2003 | 8.4 | −0.4 pp |
| 2002 | 8.8 | +0.9 pp |
| 2001 | 7.9 | +0.3 pp |
| 2000 | 7.6 | −1.3 pp |
| 1999 | 8.9 | −0.3 pp |
| 1998 | 9.2 | −1.3 pp |
| 1997 | 10.5 | −0.8 pp |
| 1996 | 11.3 | −1 pp |
| 1995 | 12.3 | −0.8 pp |
| 1994 | 13.1 | −0.7 pp |
| 1993 | 13.8 | −0.8 pp |
| 1992 | 14.6 | −0.1 pp |
| 1991 | 14.7 | −1.2 pp |
| 1990 | 15.9 | — |
The same indicator for neighboring countries — with links to their pages
The unemployment rate as a percent of the labor force, from the IMF World Economic Outlook database. The series is shorter than the ILO one: the IMF publishes it only for countries with comparable labor market statistics, but in exchange it includes a forecast. For full country coverage there is the unemployment rate based on ILO data.
Source: World Economic Outlook (IMF), license IMF open data.
The share of the labor force that is looking for work and available to start.
Economy Real GDP growth (IMF)Real GDP growth rates as estimated and projected by the IMF.
Labor Labor force participation rateWhat share of the population aged 15 and over works or looks for work.
Labor Youth unemploymentThe unemployment rate at ages 15–24 — almost always two to three times the overall rate.
Labor Female unemploymentThe unemployment rate of the female part of the labor force.
Labor Labor forceThe number of people employed or actively looking for work — the economically active population.
