Sri Lanka Surges 15 Places in Global Democracy Rankings

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has made a remarkable leap in global democratic performance, climbing 15 places in the Representation category of the Global State of Democracy 2025 report published by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).

This significant improvement follows the peaceful presidential and parliamentary elections in 2024.

The elections were widely praised for their credibility and calm execution, contributing to Sri Lanka’s gains in Predictable Enforcement and Personal Integrity and Security—two key indicators under the Rule of Law category.

Sri Lanka was one of only two countries in Asia and the Pacific to record improvements in Freedom of the Press, a factor that saw global declines in 43 countries. The report notes that Sri Lanka’s progress stands out amid a broader trend of democratic backsliding in the region.

While Sri Lanka’s overall performance remains in the mid-range, the report emphasizes that further democratic consolidation will depend on the new government’s ability to deliver on promises of anti-corruption, institutional reform, and stability.

The Global State of Democracy report, which assessed 174 countries across four core categories—Representation, Rights, Rule of Law, and Participation—warns of a global climate of “radical uncertainty,” with more than half of the countries experiencing declines in at least one democratic factor.