Sri Lanka has recorded a notable rise in the number of PhD holders, reflecting a broader shift towards higher educational attainment over the past decade, according to the Census of Population and Housing 2024.

The data shows that PhD holders increased from 6,557 in 2012 to 11,757 in 2024, although they still account for just 0.1% of the population aged 25 and above.

The number of degree holders more than doubled during this period, rising from 358,052 (3.0%) to 780,958 (5.6%), indicating growing access to higher education.

Similarly, those with tertiary education expanded significantly from 2.19 million (18.2%) to 3.63 million (26.2%), highlighting a steady upward trend in advanced qualifications.

The number of individuals with G.C.E. A/L or equivalent qualifications also increased from 1.72 million (14.2%) to 2.67 million (19.4%).

Meanwhile, the population with secondary education rose from 7.07 million to 8.09 million, maintaining a consistent share of around 58% in both years.

In contrast, the number of people with only primary education declined from 2.21 million (18.4%) to 1.73 million (12.5%), showing a gradual shift towards higher levels of schooling.

Encouragingly, those with no schooling dropped from 561,163 (4.7%) to 400,511 (2.9%), reflecting improved access to basic education across the country.