Poverty on the decline
<P>[January 14 2011]

<P>The average income levels in nine districts of six provinces exceeded the national poverty line of Rs. 3249 of December 2010.

<P>The national poverty line was Rs.3072 in May, Rs.3098 in June, and Rs.3097 in July, Rs. 3111 in August, Rs. 3141 in September, Rs.3178 in October, Rs. 3213 in November and Rs. 3249 in December 2010 showing an increase in the poverty line at national level.

<P>According to the Department of Census and Statistics, the poverty line at national level is the minimum expenditure per person per month to fulfill basic needs.

<P>Colombo, Kalutara and Gampaha districts in the Western Province rank highest above the poverty line with personal expenditures of Rs.3620, Rs. 3442 and Rs. 3530 respectively.