TRANSFORMING RURAL LIVES AFFECTED BY POVERTY

AbottomsRural poverty in Sri Lanka is frequently highlighted, yet remains unresolved. According to experts, a large portion of the peripheral population continue to live in poverty or face a high risk of falling into it. The underlying causes are multifaceted, and addressing them requires long-term, multidimensional strategiesup approach:

- By Zainab Hussein

Recent government initiatives such as the 'Prajashakthi' national programme are launched with hopes of eradicating poverty. However, real impact depends on effective implementation and the extent to which they can truly transform rural livelihoods which have been disproportionately affected.

Sri Lanka's poverty rate for 2025 is estimated at 22.7%, which is a decrease from the 24.5% rate in 2024, yet still much higher than what it was before the 2022 economic crisis having nearly doubled within just 6 years. According to the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS), the official poverty line has increased due to the higher National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) value reported in September, 2025 compared to the preceding month.

Recent statistics show that the official poverty line at the National level for September, 2025 is Rs. 16,413. Projections from the World Bank indicate that Sri Lanka's poverty rate may gradually decline, but will remain above 22% until 2026. This is mainly attributed to the lasting effects of the economic crisis, the pandemic, and inadequate debt restructuring, despite some signs of economic stabilisation.