According to reports by Gynaecologists and Obstetricians, the number of births in the country has decreased by more than 100,000 over the past five years, while the annual death rate has increased by 35,000.
In 2017, there were 325,000 births, but this number dropped to 247,000 in 2023. Meanwhile, annual deaths rose from 146,000 in 2017 to 181,000 in 2023.
Addressing the media, Gynaecologist Prof. Sanath Lanerolle attributed the decline in births to many married couples leaving the country during their fertile years. Additionally, the current economic crisis has led to delays in childbirth.
The percentage of people getting married has also decreased by 12.5 percent over the past five years. This decline could impact the country’s future workforce as the number of elderly people increases, they warned.
