Abstract:
One of the goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by world leaders at
the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit in September2015 is to make cities
inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable communities. In this context, understanding the
significance of urban population dynamics of Sri Lanka is vital to address issues related to
urban dwellers. The objectives of this paper are to identify urban population dynamics related
issues and fundamental pillars of sustainable urban development in relation to Sri Lanka. This
paper uses secondary data mainly taken from the Department of Census and Statistics. In
addition, qualitative data from field observations made in selected urban settlement
communities in Colombo district are also employed.
