Colombo, August 24, 2026 – Sri Lankan consumers are grappling with significant increases in the cost of essential vegetables, according to the DailyFC analysis of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s (CBSL) Daily Price Report released today. The report for August 24, 2026, highlights a widespread rise in vegetable prices in key markets, primarily driven by constrained supply from major agricultural regions, while some fish varieties saw a welcome decline.
The latest CBSL bulletin, a critical indicator for the Sri Lankan economy and household budgets, underscores the ongoing volatility in food commodity prices. Shoppers in major hubs like Pettah and Dambulla are experiencing the brunt of these price hikes, particularly for staples such as beans, carrots, cabbage, green chilli, and lime.
Steep Rises in Vegetable Segment
The report details a notable surge in vegetable prices compared to last Friday, August 21, 2026. This upward trend is attributed to limited supply from various cultivation areas across the island:
- Beans: Prices increased further in both Pettah (Rs. 450.00 to Rs. 550.00 per kg) and Dambulla markets (Rs. 340.00 to Rs. 405.00 per kg). The constrained supply is primarily from Balangoda, Badulla, and Nuwara Eliya.
- Carrot: Consumers are paying more for carrots, with prices rising in Pettah (Rs. 200.00 to Rs. 250.00 per kg) and Dambulla (Rs. 195.00 to Rs. 220.00 per kg) due to limited availability from Nuwara Eliya.
- Cabbage: A similar trend is observed for cabbage, with prices escalating in Pettah (Rs. 150.00 to Rs. 250.00 per kg) and Dambulla (Rs. 140.00 to Rs. 210.00 per kg). Supply shortages from Puttalam and Nuwara Eliya areas are cited as the cause.
- Green Chilli: A significant price jump was recorded for green chilli in both Pettah (Rs. 400.00 to Rs. 500.00 per kg) and Dambulla (Rs. 420.00 to Rs. 505.00 per kg). Key supplying regions like Jaffna, Anuradhapura, Puttalam, and Siyambalagasyaya reported limited availability.
- Lime: Prices for lime also saw an increase in Pettah (Rs. 350.00 to Rs. 550.00 per kg) and Dambulla (Rs. 370.00 to Rs. 405.00 per kg), stemming from reduced supply from Monaragala and Anuradhapura.
Mixed Fortunes in Fish Markets
In contrast to the rising vegetable costs, the fish market presented a more mixed picture, offering some relief to consumers.
- Hurulla: The wholesale price of Hurulla fish declined in the Negombo fish market, moving from Rs. 1,200.00 to Rs. 1,000.00 per kg. This decrease is attributed to a favourable supply from the Northern coastal area, indicating a positive impact of improved catches.
- Other fish varieties such as Balaya and Thalapath also saw some wholesale price declines in certain markets like Peliyagoda and Negombo, easing the pressure on seafood consumers.
Other Essential Commodities
Beyond fresh produce, the report also highlighted changes in other key food items:
- Imported Potato: Prices for imported potatoes increased in the Dambulla market, from Rs. 175.00 to Rs. 200.00 per kg. This rise is due to limited availability of Indian varieties, suggesting potential import challenges or changes in sourcing.
- Other staples like local onions, rice varieties, and coconut oil largely maintained stable prices across the monitored markets, providing a degree of consistency amidst the volatility.
Implications for Sri Lankan Consumers and Economy
The consistent increase in vegetable prices, a core component of daily meals for most Sri Lankan households, places additional strain on consumer budgets already contending with broader economic pressures. The limited supply from key agricultural regions underscores the vulnerability of the nation’s food supply chain to various factors, including adverse weather conditions, logistical challenges, and cultivation issues.
The Central Bank’s daily monitoring remains crucial for policymakers to understand market dynamics and implement timely interventions to stabilize food prices and manage inflation. Consumers are advised to monitor market trends closely to make informed purchasing decisions.
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