The Government’s approval rating reached 65% in early February 2026, remaining statistically stable compared to 2025, according to the latest “Mood of the Nation” survey conducted by Verité Research.

With a margin of error of ±3 percentage points, the rating shows no significant shift from the 62% recorded in February 2025. The survey’s disapproval rating also remained low and unchanged, indicating continued public backing for the administration.

For the first time in the poll’s four-year history, more Sri Lankans rated current economic conditions as “good” or “excellent” than those who described them as “poor”. Researchers described the shift as a notable turning point in economic sentiment.

Perceptions of the country’s economic trajectory also improved. The proportion of respondents who said the economy is “getting better” rose to 64%, up from 55% a year ago. Meanwhile, the share of those who felt the economy was “getting worse” remained largely unchanged.

Analysts noted a decline in the number of respondents expressing no opinion, suggesting growing certainty among the public. “More people appear to have formed clearer and more optimistic views about the country’s direction,” Verité Research said.

These combined economic sentiments are reflected in the survey’s Economic Confidence Index, which ranges from minus 100 to plus 100. The index registered +36, marking a sharp improvement from +14 recorded a year earlier.

Public satisfaction with the overall direction of the country also crossed a symbolic threshold. A majority of respondents, 59%, said they were satisfied with “the way things are going”. This is the first time satisfaction levels have exceeded 50% since the Mood of the Nation polling began four years ago.

In comparative assessments, respondents rated the present Government most positively for its perceived success in reducing drugs and crime. The survey indicated that this aspect received stronger approval than even anti-corruption efforts.

The Mood of the Nation poll is conducted regularly as part of Verité Research’s Syndicated Surveys initiative, which feeds into its macro-political briefings. The platform also allows other organisations to include questions measuring Sri Lankan public sentiment.

The latest survey was carried out by polling partner Vanguard Survey (Pvt) Ltd. It was based on a nationally representative, multi-stage randomised sample of 1,048 Sri Lankan adults from separate households.

Fieldwork was conducted between 24 January and 3 February 2026. The survey was designed with a maximum sampling error margin of ±3.0 percentage points at a 95% confidence level, although Verité Research noted that implementation-related factors can influence final margins.

Researchers said the findings suggest a consolidation of public support alongside improving economic optimism, even as disapproval levels remain subdued.