Birth rate in country declines by 36 per cent: MP Ajith P. Perera
12-Sep-2026.
The birth rate in the country has declined by 36 per cent over the past decade. This is a serious issue concerning the future of our motherland. Therefore, an environment must be created to strengthen the country’s economy and instil confidence among young people, Opposition MP Ajith P. Perera said.
He made these remarks while moving a Private Member’s Motion in Parliament on 11 September 2026 calling on the Government to provide incentives to families to increase the number of births in Sri Lanka.
Speaking further, he said:
“During the 10-year period from 2015 to 2025, the annual number of births in the country declined by 121,527, or 36 per cent. We can see the impact of this decline. The number of students entering Grade One in rural schools has fallen. Classrooms have been closed in some schools. The seriousness of the situation can be understood from this.
“At the same time, the decline in births has occurred irrespective of ethnicity or religion. Therefore, this is an issue concerning the future of our motherland.
“The Ministry of Health has stated that there should be around 330,000 births annually for the country to progress successfully. However, the number of births last year was 214,000. This trend had already emerged before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“One of the main reasons is the concern among young people who are getting married today as to whether they will have sufficient financial resources to have two or three children and provide them with a good education and a secure future. As a result, they stop after having one child.
“At the same time, young people leave the country for education or employment. In young families, when either the husband or wife goes abroad due to economic difficulties, they are separated during their early years of marriage, reducing the opportunity to have children. As a result, they stop after having one child.
“Therefore, the Government can address this issue only by strengthening the economy and creating an environment that gives families confidence. This cannot be solved merely by providing relief packages,” he said.
