August 13, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s official poverty threshold increased to Rs. 17,592 in June, up by Rs. 277 from the previous month, according to the latest figures issued by the Department of Census and Statistics.
The national poverty line is intended to indicate the minimum monthly expenditure required for an individual to meet basic needs. It is calculated using the cost of a defined basket of essential food and non-food consumption and is revised each month to account for changes in prices.
The latest figures also highlight notable variations in the cost of meeting basic needs across the country’s districts.
Colombo recorded the highest poverty line at Rs. 18,973, followed by Gampaha at Rs. 18,876. At the other end of the scale, Monaragala recorded the lowest threshold, at Rs. 16,821.
The latest increase comes as household budgets continue to face pressure from movements in the prices of food and other essential goods and services.
The official poverty line serves as a key reference for government policymakers and researchers when examining poverty levels, living standards and changes in the cost of living.
The monthly movement in the indicator also provides an insight into how changes in prices can affect the level of income or expenditure considered necessary to meet basic living requirements.
