Survey reveals Urban poverty tripled, rural doubled

• 33% people ate fewer meals while 47% limited portion sizes

By Awarjitha Edirisooriya  

In a shocking revelation, since 2019 urban poverty has tripled from 6% to 18% while rural poverty during the same period has doubled from 15% to 32%.   This was revealed following a survey conducted by a leading policy think tank working across the emerging Asia-Pacific.   

The survey also revealed that in Sri Lanka nearly 4 million people have slipped into poverty within a four year period. The total number of poor people who numbered 3 million in 2019 has increased to 7 million by 2023.   

A National survey from LIRNEasia showed that 33% people ate fewer meals while 47% limited portion sizes. It also stated that 27% restricted adult food consumption to feed children.  
Unraveling the state of one of the poorest sections of Sri Lankan society, the survey stated that those living in the Estate sector continued to be the worst off and more than 50% of the Estate population are living below the poverty line now.   

• 27% restricted adult food consumption to feed children