The Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) stated that the official poverty line has increased due to the higher National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) value reported in January 2024 compared to the preceding month.
The minimum monthly expenditure per person to fulfil the basic needs was recorded at Rs. 17,014 in January 2024, as opposed to Rs. 16,524 in December 2023.
As per the official poverty line by district, Colombo recorded the highest minimum monthly expenditure per person in January, which was at Rs. 18,350. It was followed by the Gampaha and Nuwara-Eliya districts with an estimation of Rs. 18,256 and Rs. 17,892, respectively.
Meanwhile, Monaragala District has reported the lowest minimum monthly expenditure per person in January, which was Rs. 16,268.