The Department of Census and Statistics is pleased to present the 62nd edition of the Statistical Abstract, a publication that has served as a key source of official statistics since its first issue in 1949. This publication provides a comprehensive compilation of statistical tables covering a wide range of areas, including the country’s population, employment, agriculture, education, trade, industry, climate, communication, and social conditions.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this publication is accurate, clear, and up to date, within the constraints of time and space. To support policymakers, planners, researchers, and other users in evidence-based decision-making in an increasingly data-driven environment, the data span multiple years wherever relevant and have been carefully updated to reflect the latest available statistics, with revisions extending up to 2024.

TThis edition was prepared by the Publications Division under the direction of Ms. M.T.T.T. De Silva, Director, and under the guidance of Ms. U.V. Jayakody, Additional Director General (Statistics).

The compilation and verification of data were carried out by Ms. N.T. Galappaththi and Ms. R.K. Tharanga, Statistical Officers; Mr. K.J. Chandana, Information and Communication Technology Assistant and Ms. P. Vageeshwary, Coding Clerk, under the supervision of Ms. K.K. De Almeida, Deputy Director.

The Department gratefully acknowledges the cooperation and assistance extended by other divisions of the Department, as well as by various ministries, government institutions, and other organizations that contributed data for this publication. Appreciation is also extended to Mr. W.M.A.U.B. Weeratunge, Director (Printing), Mr. M.L.K.P. Kumara, Head, and the staff of the Printing Division for their support in printing this publication.