Sri Lanka Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1951–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$1.2 billion
Ranked #78 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
1.5%
Ranked #98 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+4.7%
From $1.1B in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$1.8 billion
Reached in 2015
Sri Lanka Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Sri Lanka is estimated to have spent $1.2 billion on military and defense, representing 1.5% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. Sri Lanka is the #78 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 4.7%, from $1.1 billion to $1.2 billion. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 5.9% in 1995. The historical average military budget is 2.0% of GDP.
Data source: SIPRI Military Expenditure Database. Values are in constant 2023 US dollars. Data for 2026 is an estimate based on government budget announcements.
Historical Military Spending
Military Spending (% of GDP)
Military Spending (USD Billions, 2023 prices)
Historical Data
| Year | Percent of GDP | USD (millions) |
|---|---|---|
| 2026(estimate) | 1.50% | $1,183M |
| 2025(estimate) | 1.50% | $1,130M |
| 2024 | 1.43% | $1,076M |
| 2023 | 1.64% | $1,166M |
| 2022 | 1.34% | $1,023M |
| 2021 | 1.71% | $1,430M |
| 2020 | 1.74% | $1,393M |
| 2019 | 1.75% | $1,496M |
| 2018 | 1.73% | $1,479M |
| 2017 | 1.98% | $1,614M |
| 2016 | 1.98% | $1,550M |
| 2015 | 2.42% | $1,776M |
| 2014 | 2.41% | $1,648M |
| 2013 | 2.15% | $1,405M |
| 2012 | 2.16% | $1,368M |
| 2011 | 2.69% | $1,516M |
| 2010 | 2.70% | $1,445M |
| 2009 | 3.16% | $1,551M |
| 2008 | 3.24% | $1,501M |
| 2007 | 3.26% | $1,311M |