Sri Lanka not healthy enough, falls into bottom 40 healthiest countries in the world

According to WHO leading causes of death in Sri Lanka are strokes and Ischemic heart disease 

By Huzefa Aliasger 

Sri Lanka is ranked as 158 and in the bottom 40 healthiest countries in the world for 2025 with a global health index of 54.55 which is considered below average and unhealthy according to the CEO World Global Health Index 2025. 

According to the website, “A newly released global health index indicates that countries’ health varies significantly, as evaluated through ten specific measures. These criteria encompass healthy life expectancy, blood pressure levels, blood glucose (a key indicator of diabetes risk), obesity rates, prevalence of depression, overall happiness, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, levels of physical inactivity, and government expenditure on healthcare. The index computed a ratio to determine each country’s proximity to the optimal health score.” 

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) leading causes of death in Sri Lanka are strokes and Ischemic heart disease. However, in Sri Lanka, life expectancy at birth (years) has improved by 5.72 years from 71.5 years in 2000 to 77.2 years in 2021. 

Some war-torn nations in sub-Saharan Africa find themselves at the bottom of the health rankings. “Interestingly, even picturesque destinations often seen as tropical paradises, have received low health scores. This is largely attributed to poor dietary habits and a lack of physical activity. It’s a reminder that paradise isn’t always synonymous with health,” the website says.