Centre for Poverty Analysis

Poverty in Sri Lanka is largely measured and viewed from a monetary perspective, basing measures on income and consumption patterns. This reflects standard measures as used by most governments and international financial agencies around the world. However, the causes of absolute and relative poverty are more complex than can be conveyed by monetary measures alone, and there is a growing demand, both internationally and in Sri Lanka, for more information on 'alternative' dimensions of poverty, such as access to basic services, livelihood opportunities, social exclusion and vulnerability. This brief overview will present both the conventional monetary assessment of poverty in the country, and introduce some of the broader issues coming out of the multi-dimensional approach. The final section outlines CEPA's approach in the context of the challenges posed by a multi-dimensional understanding of poverty.