Gampaha District is Sri Lanka's most populous district, recording 2,304,833 residents in the 2012 Census, with provisional 2024 data showing 2,433,685 amid ongoing urbanization.
Population Overview
Gampaha District has seen steady growth from 2.3 million (2012 Census) to an estimated 2.43 million in 2024, driven by urbanization and economic opportunity.
2,304,833
2012 Census
2,433,685
2024 Estimate
1,583/km²
Density
1,537 km²
Total Area
Major Cities
Gampaha District includes several major urban centers, each with distinct economic and cultural significance.
Gampaha
Administrative capital, commercial hub198,000
(2012 Census)
Administrative capital, commercial hub
Negombo
Coastal tourism and fisheries center121,933
(2012 Census)
Coastal tourism and fisheries center
Wattala
Suburban residential and commercial area152,523
(2012 Census)
Suburban residential and commercial area
Kelaniya
Ancient Buddhist pilgrimage site243,000
(2012 Census)
Ancient Buddhist pilgrimage site
Ethnic Distribution
Based on the 2012 Census, the Sinhalese majority reflects the broader Western Province demographic pattern.
90.6%
Sinhalese
4.2%
Sri Lankan Moor
3.9%
Sri Lankan Tamil
1.3%
Other
Religious Demographics
Buddhism dominates, with Christianity notable due to the strong Catholic influence in coastal areas like Negombo.
71.3%
Buddhist
21.5%
Roman Catholic / Christian
4.9%
Islam
2.3%
Hindu
0.04%
Other
Literacy Rates
Highest nationally (2021, age 10+)
97.2%
Overall Literacy
Highest in Sri Lanka (2021, age 10+)
97.8%
Male Literacy
Above national average
96.6%
Female Literacy
Near-parity with male rate
Next: Explore the political & administrative structure of Gampaha
Politics & Governance