Sri Lanka official poverty line rises to Rs. 17,592

Sri Lanka’s official poverty line has been revised upward to Rs. 17,592 per person per month. According to the Department of Census and Statistics, this figure represents an increase of Rs. 277 from the previous month.

The poverty line is calculated based on the cost of a defined basket of essential food and non-food consumption. The upward revision reflects ongoing cost-of-living pressures and rising prices for food, fuel, and other essential goods and services as the nation navigates economic recovery.

Regional variations were noted across the country. Colombo recorded the highest poverty line at Rs. 18,973, followed by Gampaha at Rs. 18,876. Monaragala recorded the lowest threshold at Rs. 16,821. The updated figure is expected to influence government social protection schemes and welfare planning by potentially expanding the number of citizens eligible for state assistance.