Sri Lanka’s official poverty line increased in January 2026 compared to December 2025, according to a report released by the Department of Census and Statistics Sri Lanka.
The report indicates that the national poverty line rose from Rs. 16,658 in December 2025 to Rs. 16,730 in January 2026.
Among districts, Colombo recorded the highest poverty line at Rs. 18,044 in January, up from Rs. 17,966 in December 2025.
Gampaha ranked second with a poverty line of Rs. 17,951, followed by Nuwara Eliya at Rs. 17,593.
Meanwhile, districts including Monaragala (Rs. 15,997), Kilinochchi (Rs. 16,163) and Hambantota (Rs. 16,255) recorded comparatively lower poverty lines.
The official poverty line represents the minimum income required for an individual to meet essential living expenses such as food, shelter and healthcare.
