Sri Lanka faces slower growth ahead despite 2024 rebound: World Bank
Sri Lanka's economy recovered in 2024, surpassing growth expectations by recording 5 per cent growth, compared to the projected 4.4 per cent, according to the World Bank. This growth has been driven by strong performances in industry and services, particularly in construction and tourism-related services.
In 2025, growth is expected to moderate to 3.5 per cent reflecting scarring effects of the crisis and structural impediments to growth, amid global headwinds and unprecedented trade policy uncertainty, as per the World Bank's bi-annual Sri Lanka Development Update, titled 'Staying on Track.'
Sri Lanka's economy grew by 5 per cent in 2024, surpassing expectations, driven by construction and tourism. However, growth is expected to slow to 3.5 per cent in 2025 and 3.1 per cent in 2026 due to crisis-related scarring and global uncertainties. Despite recovery, poverty remains high at 24.5 per cent. The World Bank urges reforms to boost jobs, stability, and inclusive growth.
The report highlighted that despite the growth and fiscal performance, significant challenges remain. While the economy is recovering, many Sri Lankans are still struggling. Household incomes, employment, and overall welfare are still well below pre-crisis levels, and the poverty rate remained alarmingly high at 24.5 per cent in 2024. The labour market continues to struggle, leading to increased emigration as people look for opportunities abroad.
'While Sri Lanka's economy is bouncing back stronger than expected, a significant portion of the population—about a third—remains in poverty or is at risk of falling back into poverty,' said David Sislen, World Bank division director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. 'To ensure this recovery works for everyone, especially those who have been hit hardest, Sri Lanka can focus on policies that create jobs and support the poor.'
The report underscored that medium-term growth and poverty reduction depend on maintaining macroeconomic stability and implementing key structural reforms amid an increasingly uncertain global environment.
The World Bank has forecast moderate growth of around 3.1 per cent for Sri Lanka in 2026. Shifting to a higher growth trajectory through the successful implementation of reforms that enhance trade, investment, competition and female labour force participation, among others, is essential to ensure that all Sri Lankans benefit from the recovery.
Looking ahead, the World Bank emphasised the continued need for policy reforms to maintain macro-fiscal and financial stability, boost competitiveness, increase productivity, and expand job opportunities, added the report.
The Sri Lanka Development Update is a companion piece to the South Asia Development Update, a twice-a-year World Bank report that examines economic developments and prospects in the South Asia region and analyses policy challenges countries face.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
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