2025-26 bilateral allocation [budget estimate]

$16.0 million

2025-26 total Australian ODA [budget estimate]

$26.8 million

2024-25 bilateral allocation [budget estimate]

$16.0 million

2024-25 total Australian ODA [budget estimate]

$23.9 million

2023-24 total Australian ODA [actual]

$24.7 million

Australia – Sri Lanka Development Partnership

As Indian Ocean island nations with a shared history in the Commonwealth, Australia and Sri Lanka have a strong legacy of cooperation in trade, investment, education, sport, culture and development that stretches over more than 75 years of diplomatic relations.

We have a longstanding and impactful development program in Sri Lanka. Over the past decade, Australia has supported a wide range of economic and governance reforms, as well as measures to strengthen civil society and build skills development. In response to Sri Lanka's 2022 economic crisis, Australia provided a surge in funding ($75 million in 2022) to meet immediate humanitarian food security and health needs. As Indian Ocean partners, Australia and Sri Lanka work together to strengthen regional cooperation. Activities across the Australian Government support Sri Lanka's security and maritime capabilities, and we work closely together to combat illegal migration. Two-way trade stands at around $2.1 billion (2023), with Australian investments in Sri Lanka's education sector growing.

Joint Objectives of the Australian Sri Lankan Development Partnership

The overarching goal for the Australia – Sri Lanka development partnership is to support a peaceful, stable and prosperous Sri Lanka. This is shown in our development partnership objectives and how we will work together to advance each objective. These objectives reflect the principles and priorities agreed by Australia and Sri Lanka and support the priorities presented by the Government of Sri Lanka.

Objective 1: Sustainable and inclusive livelihoods and growth

Australia has been a longstanding partner in promoting Sri Lanka's equitable growth. Our investments in export-oriented and high-value segments of the agriculture, fisheries and tourism sectors are well-regarded and have embedded a community-based development approach to sustainability. Our work to promote equitable growth will continue to focus on targeted engagements across the market system.

Our economic programs have a strong focus on equity and inclusion. Additionally, we will continue to support marginalised communities –to access inclusive, climate resilient and stable decent work opportunities. Across these investments, climate change adaptation, access to finance and the adoption of digital tools will continue.

Objective 2: Empowered people, resilient and cohesive communities

Australia and Sri Lanka have deep ties, including through sport, education, trade and cultural connections. Increased skills, capability and knowledge opportunities will build stronger and deeper personal and institutional linkages between our governments, the private sector, researchers and NGOs to promote knowledge sharing in support of our mutual interest in stability and prosperity.

Australia is a long-time supporter of Sri Lanka on its reconciliation journey. Australia actively encourages efforts to strengthen transitional justice, peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. While Australia's development program spans the entire country, investments that support marginalised communities in the conflict-affected north and east will remain a priority.

Objective 3: Accountable and equitable governance and institutions

Against the backdrop of a recovering economy, Australia's targeted and pragmatic assistance is supporting Sri Lanka's 48-month debt sustainability agreement with the International Monetary Fund. Through key investments, Australia will continue to offer the practical assistance and technical advice in support of key reform priories.

Climate change

Sri Lanka is at risk of extreme weather occurrences such as floods, droughts and heatwaves, and these risks are expected to intensify in the future. Projected extreme weather occurrences will exacerbate poverty and existing inequalities for Sri Lanka's most marginalised, including women and people with disability.

In Sri Lanka, our program is evolving to address current and future needs by mainstreaming climate change and building resilience to climate and disaster risks across our investments.

Gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI)

Australia advances gender equality, disability equity and social inclusion in all facets of our development assistance. Our efforts will elevate the interests of women and other marginalised groups through targeted activities and programs. We will continue to invest in disability equity. Including through our development program, civil society engagement and Australia Awards activities.