Sri Lanka, Nov. 5 -- Sri Lanka's official national poverty line rose to Rs. 17,742 per person per month in September 2026, according to the latest data published by the Department of Census and Statistics.

The poverty line indicates the minimum monthly expenditure needed by an individual to meet basic needs. Those whose monthly expenditure is below this amount are classified as living in poverty.

The latest district-level figures show variations in the cost of meeting basic needs across the country.

Colombo recorded the highest poverty line in September at Rs. 19,136 per person per month. Gampaha followed at Rs. 19,037, while the figure for Kalutara stood at Rs. 18,624.

The lowest level was reported in Monaragala District at Rs. 16,96...