Sri Lanka has shown a notable improvement in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), climbing from rank 121 in 2024 to 107 out of 182 countries and territories. The index, which measures perceived levels of public sector corruption on a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean), awarded Sri Lanka a score of 35 in 2025, up from 34 the previous year. This 14-position rise reflects positive perceptions amid ongoing reforms and economic stabilization efforts.
For ordinary Sri Lankans business owners navigating permits, families accessing public services, or youth entering the workforce this progress offers encouragement. Corruption perceptions affect daily life, from trust in institutions to opportunities for fair advancement. While the score remains below the global average of 42, the upward trend signals momentum in addressing long-standing challenges. This article analyzes Sri Lanka’s performance in the 2025 CPI, compares it globally, explores contributing factors, and considers implications for public life, based on verified data.
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Understanding the Corruption Perceptions Index
The CPI ranks 182 countries and territories by perceived public sector corruption levels, drawing from expert assessments and business surveys. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher numbers indicating cleaner perceptions. The 2025 edition highlights a global stagnation: the average score stands at 42, with two-thirds of countries (122 out of 180) scoring below 50, pointing to widespread issues.
The index measures perceptions, not actual corruption incidents, but it correlates with economic health, investment attractiveness, and social trust. For citizens, lower corruption perceptions mean smoother interactions with government faster approvals, fairer resource allocation, and reduced everyday hassles.
Sri Lanka’s 2025 Performance – A 14-Position Climb
Sri Lanka’s rank improved to 107 from 121, with a score of 35. This places the country in the lower half globally but shows progress from recent years. The rise reflects perceptions of enhanced governance, anti-corruption measures, and economic recovery initiatives.
Compared to regional peers, Sri Lanka outperforms several South Asian neighbors. For instance, Pakistan ranks 133 with a score of 29, Bangladesh 146 with 25, and Afghanistan 174 with 20. However, it lags behind Bhutan at 33 with 68 and Maldives at 92 with 39.
Public sentiment often mirrors these shifts: many note reduced delays in services or increased transparency in procurement, fostering cautious optimism. Yet scores below 50 indicate room for improvement addressing perceptions of favoritism or inefficiency remains key.
Global Context – Stagnation and Key Trends
The 2025 CPI reveals a concerning global picture: the average score is 42, the lowest in over a decade, signaling a downward trend in anti-corruption efforts. Only 28 countries improved significantly, while 23 declined. The number of countries scoring above 80 has shrunk from 12 a decade ago to just five in 2025.
Top performers include Denmark (89), Finland (88), and Singapore (84), showcasing strong institutions and rule of law. At the bottom, South Sudan (9), Somalia (9), and Venezuela (10) struggle with instability and weak governance.
A major theme is worsening corruption amid declining democracies: over two-thirds of countries (122) score under 50, with the vast majority failing to make headway. This stagnation affects public trust worldwide, leading to social unrest and economic hurdles.
For Sri Lanka, the improvement bucks the trend, positioning the country as a regional outlier in positive movement.
Factors Contributing to Sri Lanka’s Improvement
Sri Lanka’s rank rise aligns with post-crisis reforms. Enhanced transparency in public procurement, digitalization of services to reduce human intervention, and strengthened anti-corruption bodies have influenced perceptions positively. Economic stabilization remittances hitting USD 8 billion in 2025 and export growth also supports a narrative of recovery.
Public initiatives like awareness campaigns and whistleblower protections contribute. While challenges persist, these steps signal commitment to better governance.
Citizens experience this through everyday changes: online applications reducing bribe opportunities or faster justice in corruption cases.
Remaining Challenges – Areas for Continued Focus
Despite progress, Sri Lanka’s score of 35 indicates ongoing perceptions of corruption in sectors like public administration and law enforcement. Issues such as delays in justice or favoritism in contracts persist, affecting business ease and citizen trust.
Globally, similar countries show that sustained reforms independent oversight, digital transparency yield further gains. Public demands often center on accountability: swift action against misconduct to build confidence.
Public Perspective – Implications for Daily Life
For average Sri Lankans, CPI improvements translate to real benefits. Lower corruption perceptions attract investment, creating jobs and growth. Businesses face fewer barriers, reducing costs passed to consumers. Families access services fairly healthcare, education, utilities without undue influence.
Youth see hope: transparent systems mean merit-based opportunities. In communities, reduced graft means better roads, schools, and resources.
The jump to 107 fosters indicate: “We’re moving up,” many say, motivating anti-corruption engagement.
Building on Momentum
Sri Lanka’s 2025 CPI rise to rank 107 with a score of 35 marks encouraging progress amid global stagnation. Outpacing many peers, it reflects reform impacts.
Continued focus strengthening institutions, digitalization, public participation can sustain gains. For citizens, this means a fairer society where effort yields rewards.
As Sri Lankans engage in governance, this improvement inspires: collective action drives cleaner, more prosperous futures.
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