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

Speaking on poverty alleviation efforts, the Minister said development plans should be prepared at the Grama Niladhari Division level with the involvement of Community Development Councils to address the root causes of poverty.

He also noted that ongoing tensions in the Middle East have impacted the global economy, but economic strengthening measures taken over the past 15 months have helped reduce their effect on Sri Lanka and prevent a return to the past “era of queues.”