Sri Lanka’s official poverty line rises in January
February 26, 2026 08:03 am
Sri Lanka’s official poverty line has increased in January, 2026 in comparison to figures from December 2025, the Department of Census and Statistics has revealed.
The report by the Department of Census and Statistics confirmed that Sri Lanka’s overall poverty line has risen from Rs. 16,658 in December 2025 to Rs. 16,730 in January, 2026.
According to the report, Colombo reported the highest poverty line, ranking with Rs. 18,044 in January, increasing from Rs. 17,966 in December 2025.
The Gampaha district, neighboring Colombo came in second with a poverty line of Rs. 17,951, followed by Nuwara Eliya with Rs. 17,593.
Monaragala, Kilinochchi and Hambantota districts have ranked lower with poverty lines of Rs. 15,997, Rs. 16,163 and Rs. 16,255 respectively.
The Official poverty line represents the minimum income required for an individual or household to cover essential living expenses such as food, shelter, and healthcare.
