Verified Facts

Official NameDemocratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
CapitalSri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Population21.8 million
Area65,610 km² (25,332 sq mi)
LanguagesSinhala, Tamil
CurrencySri Lankan rupee (Rs රු)
TimezoneUTC+05:30
RegionAsia / Southern Asia
Drives onLeft
Source: REST Countries API

Sri Lanka's infrastructure is characterized by a mix of modern and outdated systems, with significant investments being made to improve the country's roads, energy, and telecommunications networks.

Quick Facts

Electricity Access99% of population
Internet Penetration34%
Road Network12,000 km, with varying quality
Rail Network1,508 km
Major Airports2 international, 3 domestic
Major Ports2

Infrastructure Overview

Sri Lanka has made significant progress in developing its infrastructure in recent years, with a focus on improving the country's connectivity and competitiveness. The government has invested heavily in road construction, with a number of major highways and expressways being built or upgraded. However, there is still a significant gap between urban and rural areas, with many rural communities lacking access to basic infrastructure such as reliable electricity and clean water. Despite these challenges, Sri Lanka has made significant progress in improving its infrastructure, with the country's human development index ranking increasing in recent years.

The government has also made efforts to promote public-private partnerships in infrastructure development, with a number of major projects being undertaken in collaboration with international investors. This has helped to attract significant investment into the country, with a number of major infrastructure projects currently underway. However, there are still challenges to be addressed, including the need to improve the country's energy efficiency and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

Sri Lanka's infrastructure development is also being driven by its strategic location, with the country situated at the crossroads of major shipping lanes between Europe and Asia. This has made it an attractive location for foreign investment, with a number of major companies establishing operations in the country. However, the country's infrastructure is still facing significant challenges, including the need to improve its logistics and transportation networks.

Transport Infrastructure

TypeCoverageQualityNotes
Roads12,000 kmGood/ModerateMany rural roads are in poor condition
Railways1,508 kmModerateLimited coverage, with some lines in poor condition
Airports2 international, 3 domesticGoodMajor airports are well-maintained, but some domestic airports are in poor condition
Ports2 majorGoodMajor ports are well-equipped, but some smaller ports are in need of upgrading

Energy & Electricity

  • Sri Lanka's power generation is dominated by thermal power, with a number of coal-fired and oil-fired power plants
  • The country is also investing in renewable energy, with a number of solar and wind power projects currently underway
  • The government has set a target of generating 20% of the country's electricity from renewable sources by 2030
  • However, the country's energy sector is still facing significant challenges, including the need to improve its energy efficiency and reduce its reliance on imported fuels
  • The country is also investing in electricity transmission and distribution, with a number of projects aimed at improving the reliability and efficiency of the grid

Water & Sanitation

  • Sri Lanka has made significant progress in improving access to clean water, with over 90% of the population having access to improved water sources
  • However, there are still challenges to be addressed, including the need to improve water quality and reduce the risk of water-borne diseases
  • The country is also investing in sanitation, with a number of projects aimed at improving access to toilets and sewage systems
  • However, there is still a significant gap in access to sanitation between urban and rural areas, with many rural communities lacking access to basic sanitation facilities
  • The government has set a target of achieving universal access to sanitation by 2030

Telecommunications

  • Sri Lanka has a well-developed telecommunications network, with a number of major operators providing mobile and fixed-line services
  • The country has also invested heavily in fiber-optic cables, with a number of major projects aimed at improving the country's broadband connectivity
  • The government has set a target of achieving universal access to broadband by 2025
  • The country is also investing in 4G and 5G networks, with a number of major operators currently rolling out 4G services
  • However, there is still a significant gap in access to telecommunications services between urban and rural areas, with many rural communities lacking access to reliable mobile and internet services

Development Projects

  • The government is currently investing in a number of major infrastructure projects, including the construction of a new expressway between Colombo and Kandy
  • The country is also investing in port development, with a number of major projects aimed at improving the efficiency and capacity of the country's ports
  • The government has also set a target of achieving 100% electrification by 2025, with a number of projects aimed at improving access to electricity in rural areas
  • The country is also investing in renewable energy, with a number of major projects aimed at generating electricity from solar and wind power
  • The government has also set a target of achieving universal access to sanitation by 2030, with a number of projects aimed at improving access to toilets and sewage systems in rural areas