The national poverty line, which sets the minimum income threshold required to meet basic needs, has nearly tripled over the past decade, according to a report released by the Department of Census and Statistics.
In January 2024, the national poverty line reached Rs. 17,014, a significant increase from Rs. 5,223 in 2012/13. This steady upward trend saw the poverty line rise to Rs. 6,117 in 2016 and further to Rs. 6,966 in 2019. By January 2023, the line had nearly doubled again, reaching Rs. 15,970, the department noted.
Among the districts, Colombo reported the highest poverty line at Rs. 17,608 in May 2024, slightly down from Rs. 18,350 at the beginning of the year. Close behind were Gampaha at Rs. 17,571 and Kalutara at Rs. 17,138.
Conversely, Monaragala and Hambantota reported comparatively lower poverty lines of Rs. 15,610 and Rs. 15,862, respectively, making them the most affordable districts to live in as of May 2024.
The report highlights a consistent increase in the cost of living across all districts over the last decade.
