Sri Lanka Prosperity Index (SLPI), marginally increased to 0.786 in 2020 compared to 0.783 recorded in 2019. The ‘Well-being of the People’ sub-index improved amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, while decreases were observed in ‘Economy and Business Climate’ and ‘Socio-Economic Infrastructure’ sub-indices, during the year.
Improvements to healthcare facilities and more opportunities created for higher education indicated by an increase in the quota of students enrolled for the state universities, have contributed to the increase in Well-being of the People sub-index. In addition, enhanced quality of air and cleanliness of environment derived as side effects of declined industrial activities, reduced vehicle emission and limited mobility of people during the pandemic were also identified as key determinants for the increase recorded within the sub-index.
With the adverse effects of COVID-19 pandemic, increase in unemployment in both formal and informal employment categories, and decrease in gross domestic product caused by the subdued performance in economic activities were the key reasons for the decline in Economy and Business Climate sub-index in 2020.
Deceleration in transportation with the pandemic driven lockdowns and travel restrictions imposed during the year, along with the significant reduction in the usage of public transportation due to health risks were the main factors for the decline in Socio-Economic Infrastructure sub-index.