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Colombo, July 2026 — Public approval of the government and confidence in the economy have both fallen significantly, according to Verité Research’s July 2026 Mood of the Nation survey. The nationally representative poll, conducted between 11 and 30 July among 2,013 adults, shows a marked shift toward pessimism compared to February’s record-high optimism.
Government approval slipped to 49.8%, down from 65% five months earlier, while disapproval more than doubled to 31.4%. Economic sentiment also deteriorated: only 41.6% of respondents said the economy was improving, compared to 64% in February. Meanwhile, 40.3% felt conditions were worsening.
A majority — 55.6% — rated current economic conditions as “poor,” reversing February’s more positive outlook. The survey’s Economic Confidence Index fell to –8, down from +36, the highest level recorded in four years.
Verité Research’s Mood of the Nation series tracks public sentiment on governance and economic conditions quarterly. The July findings suggest rising public frustration with the pace of economic recovery and growing concern over living conditions.