The number of unemployed persons in Sri Lanka decreased to 311495 in the first quarter of 2026 from 332352 in the fourth quarter of 2025. Unemployed Persons in Sri Lanka averaged 462642.81 from 1990 until 2026, reaching an all time high of 953794.00 in the fourth quarter of 1990 and a record low of 282648.00 in the second quarter of 2012. source: The Department of Census and Statistics, Sri Lanka



Related Last Previous Unit Reference
Employed Persons 8102868.00 8465808.00 Mar 2026
Population 22.03 21.92 Million Dec 2025
Unemployed Persons 311495.00 332352.00 Mar 2026
Unemployment Rate 3.70 3.80 percent Mar 2026
Youth Unemployment Rate 18.70 19.20 percent Dec 2025


Sri Lanka Unemployed Persons
In Sri Lanka, unemployed persons are individuals who are without a job and actively seeking to work.
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
311495.00 332352.00 953794.00 282648.00 1990 - 2026 Quarterly
Volume, NSA