Sri Lanka: Unemployment rate
* indicates monthly or quarterly data series
The most recent value is 3.7 percent as of Q1 2026, a decline compared to the previous value of 3.8 percent. Historically, the average for Sri Lanka from Q1 2004 to Q1 2026 is 4.95 percent. The minimum of 3.7 percent was recorded in Q3 2011, while the maximum of 9 percent was reached in Q2 2004.
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* indicates monthly or quarterly data series
- Measure: percent
- Source: Central Bank of Sri Lanka
| Recent values | Sri Lanka: Unemployment rate, percent |
|---|---|
| 2026 Q1 | 3.7 |
| 2025 Q4 | 3.8 |
| 2025 Q3 | 4.3 |
| 2025 Q2 | 3.8 |
| 2025 Q1 | 3.8 |
| 2024 Q4 | 4.2 |
| 2024 Q3 | 4.2 |
| 2024 Q2 | 4.7 |
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Definition: The unemployment rate represents the share of the labor force that is without work but available for and seeking employment.
| Related indicators | Latest | Reference | Measure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor force | 8.37 | 2025 | million people |
| Unemployment rate | 4.01 | 2025 | percent |
| Female unemployment | 6.48 | 2025 | percent |
| Male unemployment | 2.76 | 2025 | percent |
| Youth unemployment | 18.58 | 2025 | percent |
| Labor force participation | 48.52 | 2025 | percent |
| Labor force: percent female | 33.44 | 2025 | percent |
| Female labor force participation | 30.99 | 2025 | percent |
| Male labor force participation | 67.77 | 2025 | percent |
| Self-employment | 42.07 | 2025 | percent |
| Informal employment | 66.80 | 2019 | percent |
| Employment | 7.90 | Q1/2024 | million employed people |
| Unemployment rate | 3.70 | Q1/2026 | percent |