Sri Lanka, June 3 -- As the cost of everyday essentials continue to rise, Sri Lankans now need at least Rs. 17,117 a month per person to meet their basic needs, according to the latest official figures.

According to the latest figures released by the Department of Census and Statistics, the national official poverty line increased to Rs. 17,117 per person per month in April 2026, up from Rs. 16,690 recorded in March.

The poverty line represents the minimum monthly expenditure required for an individual to meet basic needs such as food and other essential expenses. The latest increase signals a continued rise in living costs faced by families nationwide.

The figures also illustrate how dramatically the cost of basic living has changed o...