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Survey finds over 60% households suffered decrease in their total income

Published

3 years ago

2023/12/31

A survey conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) has found that 60.5% of households have reported a decrease in their total income, while 5.6% experienced an increase, and 33.9% saw no change despite the crisis.

The study titled “Household Survey on Impact of Economic Crisis – 2023” underscores the challenges faced by households, prompting them to adopt strategic adjustments and coping mechanisms in response to the prevailing economic difficulties.

The survey findings indicate a substantial impact on household income, with 60.5% of households reporting a decrease, while only 5.6% experienced an increase. Notably, 33.9% witnessed no change despite the crisis, showcasing the varied impact across different households.

In response to declining income, households employed diverse coping strategies, with 6.6% resorting to secondary jobs or additional income sources. However, a significant majority, comprising 73.6%, did not adopt specific coping measures.

Moreover, the economic crisis influenced changes in household expenditure, with 91.1% of households indicating an increase, while 3.6% reported a decrease. For those experiencing increased expenses, soaring food prices emerged as a primary concern, cited by 99.1% of respondents.

The survey report highlighted that 97.2% of households utilized at least one coping strategy to manage their expenditure, indicating a broad spectrum of approaches taken to address financial challenges.

Sri Lanka has faced one of its most formidable economic crises since gaining independence in 1948, initially triggered by the Easter Sunday attacks in 2019 and compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite government efforts to stabilize the situation, the survey reveals the tangible and extensive impact on households.

This survey initiative by the Department of Census and Statistics aims to comprehensively analyze household coping mechanisms amid the ongoing economic challenges, offering critical insights into the strategies employed by families to navigate these tumultuous financial times.

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Sun directly overhead Kalpitiya, Talawa, Sinharagama, Galkadawala, Nachchaduwa, Padikaramaduwa, Gomarankalla and Verugal about 12.10 noon today (01)

Published

1 hour ago

2026/09/1

Priyan

The sun is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from 28th of August to 07th of September due to its apparent southward relative motion.

The nearest places of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (01) are Kalpitiya, Talawa, Sinharagama, Galkadawala,
Nachchaduwa, Padikaramaduwa, Gomarankalla and Verugal about 12.10 noon.

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SJB asks what Speaker intended to do about allegations against CJ

Published

3 hours ago

2026/09/1

Sahan Weerasooriya

… stresses need for action if claims were proved false

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Dayasiri Jayasekera has sought a clarification from Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickremaratne regarding several allegations against Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, in Parliament, recently.

In a letter dated 31 August, Jayasekera has asked the Speaker whether he received any documentary evidence from MPs in support of the allegations at issue. The SJB MP has also inquired about the steps taken by the Speaker regarding the allegations and whether the issue had been taken up with the relevant agencies authorised to probe the assets of the CJ and members of his family.

MP Jayasekera confirmed that he had raised the issue with the Speaker, following the accusations relating to the high profile X-Press Pearl case, which received significant public attention in the recent past.

The Kurunegala District MP has also asked the Speaker whether the latter contemplated taking action in case the allegations were proved false to ensure that the dignity of the Chief Justice and the judiciary was safeguarded.

Among the issues raised by MP Jayasekera are the acquisition of valuable property in Colombo by the CJ’s son, the circumstances in which he was able to procure the property, as well as accusations regarding the CJ’s birth certificate, marriage certificate and birth certificates of his children.

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Navy Chief attends strategic-level discussions in Delhi

Published

3 hours ago

2026/09/1

Sahan Weerasooriya

Navy Chief Vice Admiral Damian Fernando held a series of strategic-level discussions with senior Indian defence and military officials during a three-day official visit to New Delhi. He returned on Sunday (30).

Navy Headquarters said that the two sides discussed ways to further strengthen maritime security cooperation between the two Navies in support of security in the Indian Ocean region. They also exchanged views on expanding training opportunities and capacity-building programmes, as well as other areas of bilateral importance.

During his visit to New Delhi, Vice Admiral Fernando also held official discussions with India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General N.S. Raja Subramani, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit and defence industry representatives. Discussions at these meetings focused on bilateral defence cooperation, joint training programmes, and opportunities to enhance air and maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.

As part of efforts to further expand cooperation in naval training and professional development, Vice Admiral Fernando also met Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of India’s Southern Naval Command, at its headquarters in Kochi, Kerala. The two sides discussed existing naval training exchange programmes and opportunities for introducing and expanding further training initiatives. The meeting followed the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy’s visit to INS Dronacharya, the Indian Navy’s training establishment where he previously completed the Long Gunnery and Missile Course.