Western Province slows, other provinces gain

Western Province remains the largest contributor to industry and services  

By Huzefa Aliasger

The Western Province, which is considered to have the highest economic growth and contributes a large chunk of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), is gradually slowing down in its share of contribution as other provinces experience an increase in economic growth and output, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) and the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS). 

According to reports, the Western Province’s nominal GDP declined from 44.0 per cent in 2023 to 42.4 per cent in 2024. This reduction occurred despite an increase in Western Province GDP from Rs. 12.07 trillion to Rs. 12.66 trillion due to the combined share of the remaining provinces increasing, showing that economic growth outside the Western Province is occurring at a relatively faster pace.  

The Western Province remains the largest contributor to industry (47.6 per cent) and services (44.5 per cent), yet both shares declined compared with 2023 which were 49.0 per cent from industry and 46.0 per cent from services. Other provinces recorded consistent gains in both value and share. 

The North Western Province increased its GDP share from 10.9 per cent to 11.5 per cent. The Central Province also expanded from 10.0 per cent to 10.7 per cent, while Sabaragamuwa rose from 7.1 per cent to 7.7 per cent and the Eastern Province from 4.7 per cent to 5.0 per cent. 

The North Western Province remained the leading contributor to agricultural activities, accounting for 20.0 per cent in 2024. The Central and Southern Provinces were the next highest contributors with shares of 13.9 per cent and 11.8 per cent, respectively.