Sri Lanka, Oct. 22 -- SJB MP Sujeewa Senasinghe told Parliament yesterday that Sri Lankans have pawned over Rs.1200 billion worth of gold jewellery to commercial banks to cope with mounting cost-of-living pressures and debt.Book Beach Resorts

This massive spike in gold pawning highlights the intense cost-of-living and debt crisis facing ordinary citizens across the country. The continuous rise in basic expenses, utility bills, and food costs following the 2022 currency collapse has forced millions of lower- and middle-income families to pledge their heirloom jewelry. Gold is viewed as the absolute final financial safety net for Sri Lankan households, and liquidating or pawning it indicates a high level of economic distress.

"When the Ra...