The Department of Census and Statistics (DCS), is the main Central Government Agency lying under the State Ministry of Economic Policies and Development. DCS is entrusted to collect, compile, and disseminate accurate, reliable and timely official statistics for planning and monitoring the progress of development programs and monitor the other socio-economic status of the country including Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). DCS achieve this task through conducting various censuses and surveys and compiling official statistics through administrative records. The Census of Population and Housing and Economic Census are the major censuses conducted decennially by the Department. According to the historical records, DCS has implemented officially in 1948.

DCS is a leading government agency which uses new technology widely for their data collection and processing purposes. It has a long history of using main frame computers in 1970s to Computer Assisted Person Interviews which was commenced in 2016. DCS comprised with large net-work around the country In order to conduct island wide statistical activities. The planning activities of the statistical activities are carried out by the technical staff of the department while administrative and financial support is given by the island wide administrative services. Our head office located in Battaramulla and statistical offices at the divisional secretary level are connected to the head of the statistics branches located in each of the 25 District Secretariats in the country. In addition, statistical staff is working in 53 government agencies to carry out their statistical activities.

The results of the weekly price data collection, quarterly, and annual surveys on various subject areas such as labour force, industry and agriculture are used to compile quarterly and annual Gross Domestic Production (GDP) of the country. In addition, various other new surveys are conducted by the DCS depending on the request of various data users with the approval of the Ministry.

In order to provide accurate and timely statistics all the citizens and establishments should provide their information according to the Statistical Act and Census Act. It is important that government also should use these information to make evidence based decisions to uplift the lives of the citizens.

Dr. I.R. Bandara
Director General
Department of Census and Statistics