The minimum monthly expenditure required for an individual to meet their basic needs has increased to Rs. 17,117, according to the official poverty line released by the Department of Census and Statistics for April.
According to the Department, the official poverty line increased by Rs. 427 compared to March, when it was recorded at Rs. 16,690.
The official poverty line represents the minimum monthly expenditure required for a person to satisfy basic consumption needs.
District-wise data show that the highest official poverty line for April was recorded in the Colombo District at Rs. 18,461.
Meanwhile, the lowest poverty line was reported in the Monaragala District, where the minimum monthly expenditure required to meet basic needs was estimated at Rs. 16,367.
