The Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) has announced a notable increase in the official poverty line in Sri Lanka, citing the rise in the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) in January 2024 compared to the previous month.
The minimum monthly expenditure per person required to meet basic needs surged to Rs. 17,014 in January 2024, up from Rs. 16,524 in December 2023.
According to district-level data provided by the DCS, Colombo recorded the highest minimum monthly expenditure per person in January, reaching Rs. 18,350. This was followed closely by Gampaha and Nuwara-Eliya districts, with estimated amounts of Rs. 18,256 and Rs. 17,892, respectively.
Conversely, Monaragala District reported the lowest minimum monthly expenditure per person in January, standing at Rs. 16,268. The disparity in expenditure highlights the varying economic conditions across different regions of the country.
