The Department of Census and Statistics has released the Official Poverty Line figures for January 2026, revealing that an individual requires a minimum of Rs. 16,730 per month to meet basic needs. 

According to the data, the highest cost of fulfilling basic monthly needs was recorded in the Colombo District at Rs. 18,044, while the lowest was in the Monaragala District at Rs. 15,997.

The poverty line represents the minimum expenditure required by a person to meet basic food and non-food needs, and it is revised monthly to reflect inflation and cost-of-living changes. 

According to the Department of Census and Statistics, the Official Poverty Line was updated based on the 2012/13 Household Income and Expenditure Survey.

The department further said that the District Official Poverty Lines have been re-estimated, adjusting for price differences using the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI). 

Full report : https://www.statistics.gov.lk/povertyLine/2021_Rebase (Newswire)

The post Monthly basic needs cost rises to Rs. 16,730 : Census Department appeared first on Newswire.

The Department of Census and Statistics has released the Official Poverty Line figures for April 2025, revealing that an individual requires a minimum of Rs. 16,342 per month to meet basic needs.

According to the data, the highest cost of fulfilling basic monthly needs was recorded in the Colombo District at Rs. 17,625, while the lowest was in the Monaragala District at Rs. 15,626.

The poverty line represents the minimum expenditure required by a person to meet basic food and non-food needs, and it is revised monthly to reflect inflation and cost-of-living changes. 

According to the Department of Census and Statistics, the Official Poverty Line was updated based on the 2012/13 Household Income and Expenditure Survey.

The department further said that the District Official Poverty Lines have been re-estimated, adjusting for price differences using the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI). 

Full report : https://www.statistics.gov.lk/povertyLine/2021_Rebase#gsc.tab=0 (Newswire)

The post What it takes to survive in Sri Lanka : New Poverty Line data revealed appeared first on Newswire.

The Department of Census and Statistics has released the official poverty line figures for February 2025, revealing that an individual requires a minimum of Rs. 16,318 per month to meet basic needs.

According to the data, the highest cost of fulfilling basic monthly needs was recorded in the Colombo District at Rs. 17,599, while the lowest was in the Monaragala District at Rs. 15,603.

The poverty line represents the minimum expenditure required by a person to meet basic food and non-food needs, and it is revised monthly to reflect inflation and cost-of-living changes. 

Full report : https://www.statistics.gov.lk/povertyLine/2021_Rebase#gsc.tab=0 (Newswire)

The post Sri Lanka poverty line : Rs. 16,318 per month required for basic needs appeared first on Newswire.