Abstract:
Population distribution pattern in Sri Lanka has been uneven from long history. 2012 census
shows 28.8% of the total population of the country is concentrated in the Western region of Sri
Lanka. Of this, the highest population and urban population isconcentrated in the Colombo
district, compared to the other districts in the Western region. However,the most recent
population census highlighted a key point about population distribution and population growth
among its urban local authorities,in that for the first time in history some of the urban local
authorities in the Colombo district showed a minus growth rate of population and fringe areas
show high growth rates.This paper attempts to explore these population variations. Finally, it
attempts to create a different population-zone-categorization based on the population distribution
pattern and growth rates.This identification of different growth zones is significant to forecast
urban growth directions.
Key words; Population growth, Population zones, Urban Population
