Abstract.Day4.Dissanayake

Gendered Analysis of Economic Production and Consumption in Sri Lanka: Insights from the National Time Transfer Accounts (NTTA)

Lakshman Dissanayake and Manori Weeratunga

This study applies the 'Counting Women's Work' methodology to extend Sri Lanka's National Transfer Accounts (NTA) with a gendered perspective, using data from market and household production. It reveals that unpaid care and domestic work, undertaken predominantly by women, constituted 36% of GDP in 2017. the analysis highlights significant gender disparities, with men engaging more in market work while women dedicate substantial time to unpaid care and domestic activities throughout their life cycles. Time-use patterns show young women's higher participation in learning activities and older women's increasing involvement in unpaid care. the study also identifies children as the largest consumers of unpaid care work, which influences fertility decisions, while older adults offset their dependency costs through their unpaid contributions. Policy recommendations include affordable childcare, flexible work options, and recognition of unpaid labor in national accounts to enhance gender equality and labor force participation, aligning with sustainable development goals.