Sri Lanka’s cost-of-living landscape showed a subtle shift in February 2026, as newly released figures signaled a slight easing in the country’s official poverty threshold.
According to the Department of Census and Statistics, the national poverty line dipped to Rs. 16,571 in February, down from Rs. 16,730 recorded in January. While the decline may appear modest, it reflects a measurable change in the baseline cost required to meet basic living needs across the island.
Despite the overall drop, regional disparities remain pronounced. Colombo continued to register the highest poverty line in the country at Rs. 17,872 in February, though this marked a decrease from January’s Rs. 18,044. The figures underscore the persistent reality that urban living—particularly in the commercial capital—demands a higher minimum income to sustain daily life.
Close behind was Gampaha, which recorded a poverty line of Rs. 17,780, reflecting similar cost pressures in areas adjacent to Colombo’s economic hub. Meanwhile, the central highland district of Nuwara Eliya ranked third, with a poverty line of Rs. 17,426, highlighting the continued impact of regional economic conditions.
The latest data paints a nuanced picture: while the national threshold has edged downward, the variation between districts suggests that the cost of basic survival remains uneven, shaped by geography, urbanization, and local economic factors.
(Lankanews.lk)
Leave your comments
Login to post a comment
Post comment as a guest