Sri Lanka s official poverty line rises in January

Sri Lanka's official poverty line has risen as of January 2026, compared to the previous month. A report from the Department of Census and Statistics shows the increase from Rs. 16,658 in December 2025 to Rs. 16,730 in January 2026. Colombo has the highest poverty line, now at Rs. 18,044, up from Rs. 17,966 in December 2025. The Gampaha district, which is near Colombo, follows with a poverty line of Rs. 17,951. Nuwara Eliya ranks third with a line of Rs. 17,593. Other districts such as Monaragala, Kilinochchi, and Hambantota have lower poverty lines at Rs. 15,997, Rs. 16,163, and Rs. 16,255, respectively. The official poverty line indicates the minimum income needed for individuals or families to meet basic living costs like food, shelter, and healthcare.