The Department of Census and Statistics has set Sri Lanka’s official poverty line at Rs. 16,191 for December 2024, reflecting a rise from Rs. 16,017 in November and Rs. 15,994 in October.

This threshold represents the minimum monthly amount required by an individual to meet basic needs. Accordingly, a family of four would require Rs. 64,764 to cover their essential expenses.

The increase in the poverty line comes despite a decline in the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) for December, the department noted.