As of 2024, the top 1% in Sri Lanka earned 20.47% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 14.13%. Sri Lanka’s income inequality has increased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 14.77%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Sri Lanka in 2024
In 2024, income in Sri Lanka was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 20.47% of total national income, which is notably higher than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 14.13% of income, slightly lower than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Sri Lanka | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 20.47% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 48.98% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 14.13% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Sri Lanka?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Sri Lanka’s top 1% has increased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 14.77% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 5.70 percentage points to 20.47%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Sri Lanka has widened over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 42.23% while the bottom 50% received 16.65%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 48.98% and 14.13% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 14.77% | 42.23% | 16.65% | 25.58 pp |
| 1986 | 15.41% | 42.76% | 16.59% | 26.17 pp |
| 1992 | 16.98% | 44.93% | 15.85% | 29.08 pp |
| 1998 | 18.29% | 47.78% | 14.09% | 33.69 pp |
| 2004 | 21.06% | 50.09% | 12.88% | 37.21 pp |
| 2010 | 19.59% | 47.55% | 14.21% | 33.34 pp |
| 2016 | 20.47% | 48.98% | 14.14% | 34.84 pp |
| 2022 | 20.47% | 48.98% | 14.13% | 34.85 pp |
How Sri Lanka Compares Globally
Sri Lanka vs Asia Average
Compared to other countries in Asia, Sri Lanka’s top 1% income share of 20.47% is notably higher than the regional average of 16.42%. The bottom 50% in Sri Lanka receives 14.13% of income, compared to the Asia average of 15.41%.
Where Sri Lanka Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Sri Lanka ranks 46th out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Sri Lanka ranks 114th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Sri Lanka include income distribution in Congo, Oman's income inequality, Lebanon's wealth gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Sri Lanka?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Sri Lanka earned 20.47% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered very high by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Sri Lanka?
Income inequality in Sri Lanka has increased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 14.77% in 1980 to 20.47% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Sri Lanka?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Sri Lanka received 14.13% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 48.98%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.