Economic conditions causing young people in Sri Lanka to delay marriage: UNFPA

20-Aug-2026

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Economic conditions, among several other factors, are influencing young people in Sri Lanka to delay marriage and having children, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has said.

The rising cost of living, difficulties in accessing housing, inadequate income and employment insecurity are having a significant impact on young people's decisions regarding marriage and childbearing.

This does not mean that young people do not want to marry or have children. Rather, they prefer to begin family life after achieving a certain level of economic stability, it has been stated.

In particular, young people consider stable employment, adequate income, affordable housing and access to childcare facilities to be important factors.

Therefore, measures such as creating stable employment opportunities for young people, increasing access to affordable housing, improving childcare facilities and creating family-friendly working environments are essential, it has been emphasised.