📈 National Poverty Line Increases to Rs. 16,730 in Jan 2026

Sri Lanka’s national poverty line has seen a moderate year-on-year (YoY) increase, reflecting a gradual rise in the cost of basic consumption across the island. • Overall Figures: The minimum monthly expenditure required per person rose to Rs. 16,730 in January 2026, up from Rs. 16,334 in January 2025. This represents an average increase of approximately Rs. 380–Rs. 430 per individual. • Highest Cost Regions: Colombo remains the most expensive district with a poverty threshold of Rs. 18,044, driven by higher urban living costs. Other high-threshold districts include Gampaha, Kalutara, and Nuwara Eliya. • Lowest Cost Regions: Moneragala recorded the lowest poverty line at Rs. 15,997, followed by Kilinochchi and Hambantota, highlighting regional variations in price levels and consumption patterns. • Economic Context: The data suggests a steady, moderate uptick in the cost of basic food and non-food needs rather than sharp inflationary shifts. These benchmarks are critical for measuring social welfare needs and the impact of cost of living on the national workforce. _Note: Figures are based on official district-level estimates._