Sri Lanka launches first e-Economic Census to strengthen data-driven planning

The Department of Census and Statistics has launched Sri Lanka’s first-ever e-Census (Electronic Census) as a part of the Economic Census (Non-Agricultural Economic Activities) 2025/2026, with the objective of compiling the latest and most reliable statistical information on non-agricultural economic activities in Sri Lanka. This marks the first time that information from establishments will be collected through an online census methodology, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.As the first phase of the Economic Census, which covers all industrial, construction, trade and service activities across the country, the collection of information from large-scale establishments will commence today (July 01). Under this modern digital methodology, all large-scale establishments employing 50 or more persons will be provided with a secure, convenient and efficient online platform to submit their information. This enables establishments to complete and submit the required information independently, at any time and place convenient to them.The introduction of this digital data collection methodology is expected to make the census process more efficient, faster, cost-effective and environmentally friendly, the statement said, adding that it will also significantly enhance the accuracy, quality and timeliness of the statistical information collected.The information gathered through the e-Census will provide a robust statistical foundation for producing reliable statistics on Sri Lanka’s economic structure, development trends of industry, trade and services sector and business activities. The Ministry further stated that these data will provide an important base for national development planning, economic policy formulation, investment promotion, and evidence-based decision-making.The Department of Census and Statistics emphasizes that all information provided for the census will be treated as strictly confidential under the provisions of the Census Ordinance and the Statistics Ordinance of Sri Lanka. All information collected from establishments will be used solely for statistical purposes, and no information relating to any individual or establishment will be disclosed to any third party, the Ministry said.For large-scale establishments employing 50 or more persons that do not submit their information online within the specified period, officers of the Department of Census and Statistics will visit those establishments at a later stage to collect the required information, according to the Ministry.However, in order to minimize the time required for field officers to visit establishments and collect information using smart devices, and to provide greater convenience to establishments when submitting their information, the Department kindly requests all industrial, construction, trade and service establishments to make every possible effort to submit their information independently through the e-Census system.The Department of Census and Statistics respectfully seeks the full cooperation and active participation of all relevant establishments in making this important national statistical exercise a success, as it is essential for promoting a modern, data-driven and sustainable economic development process in Sri Lanka, the statement said.Registration for the e-Census SystemAll industrial, construction, trade and service establishments employing 50 or more persons that intend to submit their information through the e-Census methodology are kindly requested to first register by visiting the official website of the Department of Census and Statistics.Upon successful registration, a unique link specifically generated for the respective establishment will be sent via email. The establishment may then use this link to submit its census information directly through the online system, it added.