Reforms introduced in 2023 led SL to be upper middle-income earning country: Harsha

Whilst highlighting that economic reforms made in 2023 had led Sri Lanka to a higher middle-income earning nation, opposition MP Dr Harsha de Silva said the task that lies ahead is to maintain that level.   

“We are happy that Sri Lanka has become a nation that earns a higher middle-income status. As it is said by the World Bank, Sri Lanka’s gross national income was dollars 3,980 while the standard level of revenue which a nation should earn to be called a country with an upper-middle income was dollars 4,630. Sri Lanka’s gross national income was dollars as at 31/12/2025 was dollars 4,670. Sri Lanka first became a nation with a higher middle-level income in 2019. The poverty level in Sri Lanka was 11.5 per cent of the population. 

Though Sri Lanka was named by the World Bank on July 1, 2026, the poverty level is 22 per cent. One has to remember this fact. Also, one has to remember that the rupee is devalued to such a level that a dollar costs Rs 340. This fact should also be taken into consideration,” Dr De Silva told journalists.   

“Also, it is important that Sri Lanka maintain sustainable development where the entire population reaps the benefit of it rather than a small proportion of it”, he added.   

“One has to maintain the upper-middle-income status rather than allowing the nation to go down to a low-income earning country,” he also said.