Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Upali Pannilage stated that approximately one-fourth of Sri Lanka’s population is currently living in poverty, with nearly 80% of those affected residing in rural areas.

Speaking on poverty alleviation efforts, the Minister emphasized that development plans should be prepared at the Grama Niladhari Division level, involving Community Development Councils, to effectively address the root causes of poverty.

He further noted that ongoing tensions in the Middle East have impacted the global economy. However, he said, the economic strengthening measures implemented in Sri Lanka over the past 15 months have helped mitigate these effects and prevented a return to the “era of queues.”