Colombo, Sep 16 (IANS): Sri Lanka's economy expanded by 7.8 percent in the second quarter of 2014 compared to 7.6 percent in the same period last year, latest data from the Department of Census and Statistics showed Tuesday.

The three main contributors to the economy recorded significant growth for the quarter. The agriculture sector contributed 10.6 percent to the GDP, while industries sector and service sector contributed 31.5 percent and 58 percent, respectively, Xinhua reported.

The agriculture sector, including agriculture, livestock and forestry, increased by 5.9 percent in the second quarter of 2014, compared to a 0.5 percent decrease reported in second quarter of 2013.

The industry sector witnessed a growth of 12.2 percent in the second quarter, compared to the growth of 10.1 percent in the same period last year.

The services sector, which corresponds to a higher share of 58 percent to the GDP, recorded a 5.7 percent increase in the second quarter, while it grew by 6.6 percent in the respective quarter of 2013.

In the agriculture sector, the tea industry showed a growth of 7.1 percent and coconut production increased 9.4 percent year-on-year, while rubber production declined 3.7 percent.

Sri Lanka's central bank has projected an economic growth of 7.8 percent in 2014, slightly higher than the 7.3 percent growth in 2013.