The official national poverty line rose marginally to Rs. 17,742 per person per month in September 2026, from Rs. 17,719 in August, according to the Department of Census and Statistics.
The latest figure represents a year-on-year increase of 8.1% from Rs. 16,413 recorded in September 2025, reflecting the higher minimum monthly expenditure required to meet basic needs.
At district level, Colombo recorded the highest poverty line at Rs. 19,136, followed by Gampaha at Rs. 19,037 and Kalutara at Rs. 18,624. Nuwara Eliya had the lowest figure at Rs. 16,558, followed by Monaragala at Rs. 16,965.
The Department said the poverty line is the minimum monthly expenditure required per person to meet basic needs. The September increase was due to a rise in the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) compared with the previous month. The district estimates are adjusted for price differences using the NCPI, based on 2021.