Young people’s contribution to economy will also decline: Ajith P. Perera

12-Sep-2026

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The number of births in Sri Lanka declined by 121,527 during the 10-year period from 2015 to 2025. As the birth rate continues to decline, the contribution of young people to the country’s economy will also decrease. Therefore, the Government should implement programmes to provide incentives to families in order to increase the number of births, United People’s Power MP for the Kalutara District Ajith P. Perera stressed.

He made these remarks while moving a Private Member’s Motion on the declining birth rate during the parliamentary sitting held on 11 September 2026.

Speaking further, he said:

“It has been observed that Sri Lanka’s annual number of births has continued to decline since 2018. As a result, there is a strong possibility that the country’s youth population will decline in the future.

“As a decline in the youth population could have adverse effects on the country’s economic development process, the Government should take steps to provide incentives that would encourage families to increase the number of births in Sri Lanka.

“In particular, the number of births was 336,097 in 2015, 331,073 in 2016, 326,051 in 2017 and 326,052 in 2018. This number subsequently declined steadily to 214,570 in 2025.

“Accordingly, the number of births declined by 121,527 during the 10-year period from 2015 to 2025, representing a decline of 36 per cent.

“The number of students being admitted to Grade One in rural schools has now declined. Classes have been closed in some schools. As a result of this situation, the number of young people who contribute to our country’s economy will decline in the coming years. The decline in birth rates has occurred across all communities.

“The birth rate is important for taking the country forward successfully. According to information from the Ministry of Health, the country’s future would be more favourable if around 336,000 births took place annually. The current lower number of births is therefore a problem.

“This cannot be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In particular, the country’s economic difficulties are having an impact on this situation. Families are worried about the future, and this is reducing their willingness to have children. Many young people are leaving the country. As a result, children are not being born at the appropriate stage of life.

“Steps should therefore be taken to provide incentives to address the situation caused by these economic difficulties. The Government should also take steps to increase allocations for education and healthcare in the country,” he said.