This study provides an overview of the issues relevant to Sri Lanka’s poverty measurement methodology and the poverty information system, with a focus on the strengths and weaknesses of the current status. In addition to focusing upon economic dimensions of poverty and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis, the study reflects upon the role of non-economic measures and qualitative methodologies in defining and measuring poverty. The study identifies methods to address the issues discussed and it proposes a plan of action that will not be constrained by the existing institutional structure and availability of personnel.