Over 1.5 million Sri Lankan families are recipients of less than 12 $ poverty allowance

Sri Lanka government says steps have been taken to increase the poverty allowance of the low income groups with effect from April 01.

The poverty allowance Samudhi has been increased by 33% in line with a budget proposal of the government, says the Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa.

He said that the allowance will be granted in three categories. Accordingly, the category of Rs. 250 to 615 has been increased to Rs. 750, (Less than 06 $) per month. The category of Rs. 900 has been increased to Rs. 1200 (little over 09 $) per month . The category of Rs. 1500 remains same (less than 12 $).

There are 1,583,961 recipients of Samurdhi allowance and the government spends over Rs. 45 billion per month for Samurdhi.

According to Central Bank of Sri Lanka GDP per Capita at Market Prices is Rs. 271,259 or US$ 2,399 in 2011.

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Sri Lanka Minister of Education draws a new poverty line

Sri Lanka Minister of Education Bandula Gunawardana reiterated that a Sri Lankan person can live with less than Rs. 2500 per month.

The Minister made this remark last week also and many persons laughed off his statement while some expressed anger. However, the Minister addressing a meeting held in Ananda College, Colombo yesterday, reiterated his idea, as reported by Sinhala daily The Lakbima.

According to him, over 41% of the income of Sri Lankans is spent for food pertaining to the data of the Colombo Consumers' Cost of Living Index. Therefore, Sri Lankans do not die due to food shortage, the Minister argues.

Minister Gunawardana said last week that Rs. 83 per day was sufficient for a Sri Lankan person for subsistence. According to him, a thre member family could live with Rs. 7500, if they spend their money wisely.

The amount he mentions is far less than the UN defined poverty line of US $ 1.25 per day.

Read his original statement that he made at a function in Homagama. 

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