Oldest Cities in Sri Lanka

Top 72 cities ranked by oldest cities

Largest Cities Smallest Cities Most Dense Least Dense Highest Income Lowest Income Lowest Unemployment Highest Unemployment Lowest Poverty Highest Poverty Highest Rent Lowest Rent Most Educated Youngest Cities Oldest Cities Safest Cities Highest Crime Warmest Cities Coldest Cities Rainiest Cities Driest Cities

All Countries · Sri Lanka

Oldest Cities — Sri Lanka

1 Matara 34 34.1

2 Panadura 36 34.1

3 Nuwara Eliya 29 34.1

4 Negombo 36 34.1

5 Mulleriyawa 36 34.1

6 Mullaittivu 38 34.1

7 Moratuwa 36 34.1

8 Monaragala 35 34.1

9 Minuwangoda 36 34.1

10 Peliyagoda 36 34.1

11 Matale 29 34.1

12 Mannar 38 34.1

13 Maharagama 36 34.1

14 Kurunegala 32 34.1

15 Kuliyapitiya 32 34.1

16 Kotikawatta 36 34.1

17 Kolonnawa 36 34.1

18 Kilinochchi 38 34.1

19 Trincomalee 37 34.1

20 Wellawaya 35 34.1

21 Welisara 36 34.1

22 Weligama 34 34.1

23 Wattegama 35 34.1

24 Wattala 36 34.1

25 Vavuniya 38 34.1

26 Valvedditturai 38 34.1

27 Vakarai 37 34.1

28 Keppapularu 38 34.1

29 Tangalle 34 34.1

30 Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte 36 34.1

31 Ratnapura 33 34.1

32 Puttalam 32 34.1

33 Pottuvil 37 34.1

34 Polonnaruwa 30 34.1

35 Point Pedro 38 34.1

36 Pita Kotte 36 34.1

37 Beruwala 36 34.1

38 Gampaha 36 34.1

39 Galle 34 34.1

40 Eravur Town 37 34.1

41 Devinuwara 34 34.1

42 Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia 36 34.1

43 Dambulla 29 34.1

44 Colombo 36 34.1

45 Chilaw 32 34.1

46 Gampola 29 34.1

47 Bentota 34 34.1

48 Beliatta 34 34.1

49 Batticaloa 37 34.1

50 Battaramulla South 36 34.1

51 Badulla 35 34.1

52 Anuradhapura 30 34.1

53 Ampara 37 34.1

54 Ambalantota 34 34.1

55 Jaffna 38 34.1

56 Kelaniya 36 34.1

57 Kegalle 33 34.1

58 Katunayaka 36 34.1

59 Kataragama 35 34.1

60 Kandy 29 34.1

61 Kandana 36 34.1

62 Kalutara 36 34.1

63 Kalmunai 37 34.1

64 Ambalangoda 34 34.1

65 Ja Ela 36 34.1

66 Horawala Junction 36 34.1

67 Horana South 36 34.1

68 Homagama 36 34.1

69 Hendala 36 34.1

70 Hatton 29 34.1

71 Hanwella Ihala 36 34.1

72 Hambantota 34 34.1

Cities with the oldest median ages in Sri Lanka often serve as popular retirement destinations or established communities with stable, long-term residents. Matara has a median age of 34.1 years.

Older median ages can indicate strong healthcare systems, quality of life factors that encourage aging in place, or communities that are particularly attractive to retirees. These cities often feature robust healthcare infrastructure and senior services.

Communities with older populations face unique planning challenges including healthcare capacity, accessibility, transportation for non-drivers, and maintaining a tax base as the workforce ages. Many are adapting their infrastructure and services to meet these evolving needs.

Did You Know?

1. Half of Matara's residents are over 34.1 years old.
2. Popular retirement destinations in Florida, Arizona, and the Carolinas dominate this list.
3. Cities with older populations typically have higher rates of homeownership and longer average residency periods.

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