The Census of Population and Housing in Sri Lanka is conducted every 10 years and in accordance with the powers vested in it by the Census Ordinance, the Department of Census and Statistics plans to conduct the next Census in the year 2021.

The census provides the demographics, geographical distribution, ethnic distribution and demographic and social characteristics of the population as well as qualitative and timely data and information on housing at the Grama Niladhari divisional level required for the formulation and planning of national policies.

The relevant proposal to conduct Census next year was presented by the Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and has been approved by the Cabinet.

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