The paper describes the growth of population in Sri Lanka from 1871 to 2000. Similarly the mortalty trends from 1881 to 1995, fertility trends from 1896 to1995 and migration trends from 1871 to 1995 are discussed. In addition, urbanization patterns and internal migaration and population policies are presented. Population distribution patterns and density from 1871 and age and sex and ethnic and religious compositions from 1911 are discussed. Population projections are presented from 1995 to 2030. Families, households and housing needs are presented. labour force trends and projections are also presented. Finally, the implications of population growth on social welfare services are presented.