National Poverty Line Moderates in Feb Following Jan Peak 📉

Sri Lanka’s national poverty line eased to Rs. 16,571 per person per month in February 2026, down from Rs. 16,730 in January, according to the Department of Census and Statistics. Despite the monthly dip, the threshold remains higher than the Rs. 16,334 recorded a year ago. • Overall Trends: January 2026 saw a YoY increase of approximately Rs. 380–430 per person. However, February data suggests a slight moderation in short-term price pressures for basic food and non-food needs. • District-Level Highlights: Highest Thresholds: Colombo remains the most expensive district at Rs. 17,872 in February, followed by Gampaha, Kalutara, and Nuwara Eliya, reflecting higher urban living costs. Lowest Thresholds: Monaragala recorded the lowest at Rs. 15,845, with Kilinochchi and Hambantota also on the lower end of the spectrum. • Economic Context: The data indicates a moderate annual increase in minimum consumption costs with relative stability across regions. Note that these figures reflect conditions prior to the global volatility triggered by the Middle East conflict on February 28. _Source: Department of Census and Statistics (Provisional Data)_