Sri Lanka’s 2024 Population and Housing Census shows that females once again make up the majority of the population, a trend first recorded in 2001.

The national sex ratio has declined from 93.8 males per 100 females in 2012 to 93.3 in 2024, indicating a continued female surplus.

The Urban sector now reports the highest proportion of females, while the male population has decreased in both urban and rural areas, with a slight rise in the estate sector.

Census data also reveal that while males outnumber females in younger age groups (0–19 years), the ratio drops sharply among older populations falling to 69.8 among those aged 70 and above.

Experts note that this reflects higher male mortality and longer female life expectancy, underscoring important considerations for healthcare, social welfare, and ageing policies.