The Western province of Sri Lanka has solidified its status as the primary driver of the country’s economy in 2022. According to the latest provincial gross domestic product (PGDP) estimates released by the Central Bank yesterday, the Western province increased its share in nominal GDP from 42.6 percent in 2021 to 43.4 percent in 2022.
The data underscores the Western province’s robust presence in various economic activities, particularly in the services and industry sectors. In 2022, it remained the largest contributor to industry activities, recording an impressive 49.2 percent share.
The second and third largest contributors to the national economy in 2022 were the North Western province, accounting for 11.2 percent, and the Central province, contributing 10.0 percent.
Comparing 2022 to 2021, the contributions to nominal GDP from the Western, North Western, and Uva provinces all increased, while that of the North Central province remained unchanged. This growth trend was reflective of a substantial overall increase in the nominal GDP of all provinces during the year, primarily attributed to a significant rise in price levels.
Breaking down specific economic activities, the North Western province took the lead in agriculture activities, contributing 18.3 percent, while the Southern and Central provinces followed with contributions of 14.6 percent and 13.7 percent, respectively.
In terms of industry activities, the Western province maintained its dominance with a substantial 34.4 percent share in 2022. The North Western and Central provinces were the next major contributors, accounting for 11.8 percent and 9.1 percent, respectively.
For services activities, the Western province continued to be the leader with a commanding 45.2 percent share, followed by the Central province with 10.0 percent and the North Western province with 9.8 percent. Service activities played a crucial role in the economies of all provinces, with the Southern and Western provinces recording the highest shares at 59.9 percent and 58.5 percent, respectively.
Notably, the highest concentration in industry activities was observed in the Western province at 34.4 percent, closely followed by the North Western province at 32.0 percent. Meanwhile, the Eastern and Uva provinces stood out for their higher contributions to agriculture activities, recording shares of 17.2 percent and 15.5 percent, respectively, compared to other provinces.
