World Population Day 2026 fell on Saturday, July 11 Investing in Sri Lanka’s youth is investing in the nation’s future

As Sri Lanka undergoes a profound demographic shift marked by falling birth rates, a rapidly ageing population, and high youth migration, investing in the younger generation has become a strategic necessity. On World Population Day 2026, Sri Lanka needs to think on securing youth opportunities in education, employment, and healthcare is the only way to build national resilience.

President, Population Association of Sri Lanka | Professor of Demography, University of Colombo  

Every year on July 11, the world marks World Population Day, a reminder that population trends are not merely about numbers but about people, opportunities and the future of societies.  

The 2026 World Population Day theme — “Realising the hopes and aspirations of young people – today and for the future” — highlights a simple but powerful message: the future of every nation depends on the opportunities available to its young people today.  

For Sri Lanka, this message has never been more relevant.  

The country is undergoing one of the most profound demographic shifts in its history. Falling birth rates, a rapidly ageing population, increasing migration of young professionals, changing family structures and evolving labour market demands are reshaping the country’s social and economic landscape.  

These changes are not signs of failure. On the contrary, they reflect decades of success in improving healthcare, education, maternal and child health, women’s empowerment and life expectancy. However, they also demand fresh policy thinking that responds to today’s realities rather than yesterday’s demographic patterns.  

A generation with bigger dreams—and bigger challenges  

Today’s young Sri Lankans are growing up in a world vastly different from that of their parents.  

Greater access to education, technology and global opportunities has expanded their ambitions. Many aspire to build successful careers, achieve financial stability, secure decent housing and enjoy personal fulfilment before starting a family.  

Yet these aspirations are becoming increasingly difficult to achieve.  

Young people face prolonged transitions from education to employment, underemployment despite higher qualifications, rising living costs, limited affordable housing and uncertainty about future careers. Unsurprisingly, many delay marriage and parenthood while trying to establish economic security.  

These decisions should not be viewed as a rejection of family life, but as rational responses to changing economic and social realities.  

Understanding Sri Lanka’s declining fertility  

Sri Lanka’s declining fertility rate has attracted growing public attention in recent years.  

While fertility has undoubtedly fallen over the decades, experts caution against interpreting this trend as an immediate demographic crisis.  

Fertility patterns are shaped by multiple factors, including delayed marriage, increased education, women’s participation in the workforce, migration, changing family preferences and economic pressures.  

Moreover, demographic analysis requires looking beyond a single fertility indicator. Some declines may reflect people postponing childbirth rather than abandoning plans to have children altogether.  

Therefore, policy decisions should be guided by comprehensive demographic evidence rather than isolated statistics.  

Preparing for an ageing nation  

Longer life expectancy is one of Sri Lanka’s greatest public health achievements.  

However, an ageing population also brings new challenges, including increased demand for healthcare, long-term care, pension reforms and adjustments to labour markets.  

The country’s young workforce will play a crucial role in supporting these demographic changes. Their productivity, innovation and participation in the economy will determine Sri Lanka’s ability to care for older generations while sustaining economic growth.  

Investing in young people today, therefore, is also an investment in healthy ageing tomorrow.  

Migration: challenge and opportunity  

Many young Sri Lankans continue to seek education, employment and better living standards overseas.  

International migration brings valuable benefits, including remittances, new skills and global experience. At the same time, the loss of skilled professionals creates shortages in critical sectors and affects the country’s demographic structure.  

Rather than treating migration solely as a problem, Sri Lanka should focus on creating attractive opportunities at home through quality employment, entrepreneurship, research and innovation while respecting individuals’ freedom to pursue opportunities abroad.  

Beyond education: creating opportunities  

Supporting young people means far more than expanding access to education.  

Quality education must prepare students with practical skills that match the demands of modern labour markets, including digital literacy, technical expertise, entrepreneurship and lifelong learning.  

Healthcare must include physical and mental wellbeing, accessible reproductive health services and reliable information that allows young people to make informed decisions.  

Employment remains equally critical. Sustainable economic growth must generate secure, well-paying jobs that offer career progression and work-life balance.  

Affordable housing, accessible childcare, reliable public transport and family-friendly workplaces also influence when young adults choose to marry and start families.  

These are not simply welfare measures—they are long-term investments in national development.  

Supporting families through choice  

Global experience shows that sustainable fertility cannot be achieved simply through financial incentives or campaigns encouraging people to have more children.  

Research consistently demonstrates that young adults are more likely to have the families they desire when they enjoy stable employment, affordable housing, accessible childcare, gender equality at home, flexible work arrangements and confidence about the future.  

Public policy should therefore focus on removing barriers that prevent young people from achieving their own aspirations rather than promoting a predetermined family size.  

This rights-based approach aligns closely with the principles advocated by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).  

The road ahead  

As Sri Lanka continues its demographic transition, several priorities stand out.  

Improving education and employability, expanding decent employment, increasing access to affordable housing, strengthening reproductive healthcare, promoting gender equality and ensuring young people have a meaningful voice in policymaking will all be essential.  

Ultimately, demographic change is about far more than population numbers.  

It is about whether young people can study, work, innovate, build families when they choose and contribute fully to society.  

The investments Sri Lanka makes today in education, health, employment, skills and social protection will determine the country’s demographic resilience for decades to come.  

World Population Day 2026 serves as a timely reminder that empowering young people is both a moral responsibility and a strategic necessity. A nation that enables its youth to thrive builds stronger families, healthier communities, a more productive economy and a more sustainable future.  

Supporting young people today is, ultimately, an investment in Sri Lanka’s tomorrow.