SL’s urbanization rate increased by 26 percent

Sri Lanka's urbanization rate has increased from 18.2 percent in 2012 to 44.57 percent in 2023, a latest study by the National Physical Planning Department revealed.

The Ministry of Urban Development and Housing said the last survey conducted on the urban population was a decade ago in 2012. 

The survey report highlights the population within 10km range, the number of malls, supermarkets and clothing stores, fuel stations, banks, private schools and private hospitals, apartments, buildings on rent or lease, employment etc. within a grama niladhari division. 

The Ministry said the survey was conducted to identify urban and sub-urban areas within the country. 

Homagama and Kolonnawa in Colombo district and all divisional secretariat divisions in Gampaha district are fast urbanizing areas in the country. Mullaitivu district has the lowest growth rate. Out of the 12,773 grama niladhari divisions, 3,025 have been identified as urban areas.

Minister of Urban Development Prasanna Ranatunga said the survey report will be submitted to the President and the Cabinet of Ministers.