Sri Lanka's Poverty Reaches 24.5%, One in Four Hungry: G.L. Peiris Cites World Bank

Former Minister Professor G.L. Peiris, representing the United Opposition, has stated that Sri Lanka faces serious food security issues. Citing World Bank data, he indicated that 24.5% of the population, or one in four people, is currently living in poverty and is hungry. Peiris also warned that the World Bank predicts this figure could soon rise to one in three. He announced plans to inform officials at the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) Colombo office next week about the country's welfare situation. These remarks were made at a press conference.