Sri Lankan population surges as India takes lead in Australia migration

Colombo, May 1 (Daily Mirror) - India has overtaken England to become Australia’s largest overseas-born population group, while the Sri Lankan-born community has also recorded a notable surge, according to the latest data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The number of India-born residents has reached 971,020, slightly surpassing those born in England, now recorded at 970,950.

The figures mark a significant demographic shift, with the Indian-born population increasing by more than half a million since 2015. England, which had long held the top position, has now moved to second place.

Australia’s overseas-born population has also reached a record high, accounting for 32 per cent of the total population—the highest proportion since 1891. The country is now home to 8.8 million overseas-born residents, compared to 18.8 million Australian-born people, bringing the total population to 27.6 million as of mid-2025.

The Sri Lankan-born community has also recorded steady growth. The number of Sri Lankan-born residents rose to an estimated 184,800 by mid-2025, up from 172,800 in 2024 and 158,300 in 2023. A decade ago, in 2013, the figure stood at just over 110,000.

Sri Lanka is now ranked among the top 10 countries of birth for overseas-born residents in Australia, holding the ninth position. It remains just ahead of Malaysia, while other major groups include China, New Zealand and the Philippines.

The changing population trends come amid ongoing political debate over immigration policy. Federal Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has recently called for tighter migration controls, citing concerns about integration and national values. Government ministers have rejected the proposal, describing it as politically driven.