Sri Lanka ageing population is projected to rise sharply, with one in four citizens expected to be over 60 by 2041. This demographic shift is set to transform the nation’s healthcare and economic landscape, according to Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.
Sri Lanka ageing population expected to reach 25% by 2041, driving major healthcare reforms.
Sri Lanka is facing a major demographic transformation, with almost 25 percent of its population expected to be over the age of 60 by 2041. This significant rise in the ageing population comes amid a consistent decline in population growth over the past few years, creating both challenges and opportunities for the country’s health and economic systems.
Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa revealed this projection during a media briefing on the second day of the 78th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia. He noted that Sri Lanka’s elderly population share would surpass the regional average, where approximately 20 percent of people are expected to be above 60 years old.
The Minister emphasized the importance of strengthening healthcare accessibility for older citizens. He explained that the government’s strategy focuses on expanding primary health care coverage. “This goal can be achieved by enhancing primary health care. Currently, we are establishing 1,000 new primary health care institutions, in addition to the 1,100 already operating in divisional hospitals and Primary Medical Care Institutions. Within the next three years, over 2,000 such facilities will function across the country,” Dr. Jayatissa said.
He stressed that the government views healthy ageing not as a burden but as an opportunity to build a more inclusive health system. “Ensuring healthy ageing is a challenge. However, as a government, we do not view it as a burden, not to the nation, the economy, or the health system,” he added, signaling a proactive policy stance toward the country’s ageing demographic.
Sri Lanka’s public health system, once recognized for its strong performance in tackling infectious diseases and maternal and child health, is now shifting focus toward the needs of an ageing population. “As such, we have begun training our health workforce accordingly and have revised the training curriculum,” the Minister stated. This move aims to equip healthcare professionals with the skills to address chronic illnesses, age-related conditions, and long-term care needs more effectively.
The rapid pace of demographic change is not new. A United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report released in 2012 identified Sri Lanka as one of the fastest-ageing societies in South Asia. At the time, the elderly population—those aged over 60—accounted for 12.4 percent of the total population. According to population projections, this figure will double by mid-century, meaning one in every four Sri Lankans will be over the age of 60.
This shift will have wide-ranging implications for healthcare, labor markets, and social protection systems. As the population ages, the demand for specialized geriatric care, long-term health services, and social safety nets will grow significantly. Experts argue that early preparation is essential to avoid economic strain and to ensure that older citizens can lead healthy, active lives.
Sri Lanka’s ageing trend is part of a broader regional and global pattern. Many Asian countries, including Japan and South Korea, have already experienced rapid demographic transitions, forcing governments to rethink their healthcare systems and labor policies. For Sri Lanka, which is still navigating post-crisis economic recovery, the rising share of elderly citizens poses both challenges in funding and opportunities for innovative healthcare solutions.
Investing in preventive healthcare and early intervention will be critical. By expanding primary healthcare infrastructure and modernizing medical training, Sri Lanka can better manage the increased prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart conditions, and dementia, which often accompany ageing.
At the same time, policymakers are encouraged to view this transition not only through a healthcare lens but also from a broader socioeconomic perspective. Creating age-friendly cities, improving public transport for seniors, and encouraging community engagement programs can help maintain social inclusion and reduce dependency rates.
While the country prepares for these demographic shifts, experts caution that the window for proactive action is narrowing. Effective planning today can help Sri Lanka manage the economic and health implications of its ageing population tomorrow. With one in four citizens set to be over 60 in less than two decades, this is more than a health issue—it is a defining national priority.