Birth rate reduced during last five years: Gynaecologists

Colombo, June 14 (Daily Mirror) - According to reports by Gynaecologists and Obstetricians, during the past five years the number of births in the country has decreased by more than 100,000 and the annual death rate has increased by 35,000.

Based on reports, there were 325,000 births in 2017, but this number dropped to 247,000 in 2023. Meanwhile, annual deaths increased from 146,000 in 2017 to 181,000 in 2023.

While addressing the media, Gynaecologist Prof. Sanath Lanerolle said the main reason for the decline in births is that many married couples have left the country during their fertile years. A situation where the births are delayed has been reported due to the current economic crises.

The percentage of those getting married has decreased by 12.5 percent over the past five years. This decline could impact on the country's future workforce as the number of elderly people increases, they claimed.