The Census and Statistics Department has released the official poverty line data for September 2024, showing a slight decrease in the poverty line compared to August 2024.
For the month of September, the minimum amount required by an individual to meet basic needs was recorded at Rs. 16,073, a small drop from the previous month’s figure of Rs. 16,152. For a family of four, this equates to a required monthly income of Rs. 64,292.
The highest poverty line value was recorded in Colombo district, where an individual needs Rs. 17,335 to meet basic needs. Meanwhile, Monaragala district had the lowest poverty line value at Rs. 15,369.
The reduction in the poverty line is attributed to the decrease in inflation, as reflected by the National Consumer Price Index for September 2024.
This period marks the final month of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s rule, during which he had previously commented that if the new government requires advice on economic matters, they could consult him, referring to himself humorously as “grandfather.”
