Title: Population and Socio-Economic Change in 20th Century in Sri Lanka
Description: The demographic and socio-economic scenario in Sri Lanka has undergone remarkable changes over the past ten decades. The demographic transition from high birth rates and death rates, to a relatively low level of mortality and fertility has taken place at a comparatively rapid pace. At the same time, the literacy and educational level of the population as well as per capita incomes have improved from modest to relatively high levels. Thus, the demographic and socio-economic experience of Sri Lanka over the past century shows that in several area of development, such as child and maternal mortality, fertility, literacy, primary and secondary education, Sri Lanka is clearly an outlier in relation to other countries at similar levels of per capita income.

However, the changing demographic and socio-economic scene in Sri Lanka has brought about new opportunities and challenges for the future. The gradually changing population age structure will have an important bearing on social sectors such as education and health. It will also influence the supply and demand for labour and consumer behaviour patterns. 

Some of the important challenges that Sri Lanka would face in the coming decades are:

a) Population aging will increase the elderly population form 10% of the total population in 2000 to 21.5% in 2030. However the issue of population ageing has to be looked at in a positive light. Given the high life expectancy, it is evident that a large majority of those aged 60 to 70 years are relatively healthy and physically and mentally able to contribute to economic activity. Thus it is important to ensure that those in the age group 60-70 years are given adequate opportunities to contribute to economic development of the country as a large majority have acquired considerable experience in technical and managerial skills during their formal working life.

b) There may be some reduction in the rate of growth of economic development when the demographic bonus is exhausted. However, if the bonus is well invested, smaller economic growth rates on the larger economic base will still be significant.

c) Sri Lanka currently has 5.2 million adolescents and youth in its population, which is the peak number in its demographic history. While it is necessary   to wisely invest this human resource in human capital development, it is equally important to provide the necessary reproductive health information, counseling and services to this segment of the population.

d) Although the pace of urbanization during the past century has been slow, according to projections, by 2030 more than 40% of the total population will be living in urban areas. Therefore, it is necessary to  plan out the growth of cities to avoid problems due to inadequate waste collection and disposal, and poor sanitation which, in turn would increase environmental problems such as flooding and the spread of diseases.