Economic crisis hits marriages, parenthood

Colombo, July 13 (Daily Mirror) - Delayed marriage and childbearing among young people should be understood as responses to current economic and social conditions rather than a rejection of family life, Professor Manori Kaluthantiri Weeratunga said.

Writing ahead of World Population Day 2026, Prof. Weeratunga, President of the Population Association of Sri Lanka and Professor of Demography at the University of Colombo, said Sri Lanka is undergoing significant demographic changes, including declining fertility, population ageing, increased youth migration and changing family patterns.

She said young people are navigating a rapidly changing social and economic environment, where rising living costs, employment uncertainty, limited access to affordable housing and career pressures are influencing decisions on marriage and starting families.

Prof. Weeratunga said many young people today seek financial stability, secure employment, career growth and personal fulfilment before entering marriage or parenthood.

“These aspirations are neither unrealistic nor unique to Sri Lanka; they reflect wider global social and economic changes,” she said.

She highlighted that declining fertility trends should be examined through comprehensive demographic evidence rather than being viewed as an immediate crisis.

According to Prof. Weeratunga, fertility patterns are shaped by multiple factors, including increased educational opportunities, women’s participation in the workforce, migration, delayed marriage and evolving family preferences.

She called for policies that create an enabling environment for young people through quality education, decent employment opportunities, affordable housing, accessible healthcare and family-friendly workplaces.

“Supporting young people to achieve their aspirations is not only a social responsibility but also an investment in Sri Lanka’s future,” she said.