COLOMBO, 31 August 2026 – The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) today released its Daily Price Report for August 31, 2026, revealing a dynamic landscape of price movements across key food commodities in the island’s primary markets. The report highlights significant shifts in both vegetable and fish prices, primarily driven by supply-side factors from various producing regions.
Key Price Movements in Vegetables and Fish
Consumers across Sri Lanka are facing varied price adjustments for essential goods. The report details specific movements in major markets like Pettah, Dambulla, Peliyagoda, and Negombo:
- Beans: Prices for Beans saw a notable increase in both Pettah and Dambulla markets. Retail prices rose to Rs. 450.00/kg in Pettah and Rs. 430.00/kg in Dambulla, up from Rs. 350.00/kg and Rs. 325.00/kg respectively last Friday. This hike is attributed to limited supply originating from Balangoda and Ella/Bandarawela areas.
- Cabbage: In contrast, Cabbage prices experienced a decline. Retail prices dropped to Rs. 250.00/kg in Pettah and Rs. 215.00/kg in Dambulla, down from Rs. 280.00/kg and Rs. 265.00/kg. This favourable movement is due to a robust supply from the Nuwara Eliya region.
- Brinjal: Brinjal prices also decreased across both Pettah and Dambulla. Pettah saw a fall to Rs. 400.00/kg from Rs. 450.00/kg, while Dambulla prices settled at Rs. 255.00/kg from Rs. 305.00/kg. A favourable supply from Embilipitiya/Kaltota and Peliyagoda areas was cited as the reason.
- Green Chilli: The Dambulla market registered a significant decline in Green Chilli prices, dropping to Rs. 480.00/kg from Rs. 625.00/kg. This reduction is due to an ample supply from Galewela and Sigiriya areas.
- Linna (Fish): The wholesale price of Linna fish declined in both Peliyagoda and Negombo fish markets, reaching Rs. 600.00/kg and Rs. 700.00/kg respectively, down from Rs. 750.00/kg each. This was due to a favourable supply from the Southern coastal area.
- Hurulla (Fish): Conversely, Hurulla fish prices increased further in the Negombo fish market, climbing to Rs. 1,440.00/kg from Rs. 1,350.00/kg. This increase is a result of limited supply from the Northern coastal area.
- Local Red Onion: Prices for Local Red Onion increased in the Dambulla market, now at Rs. 280.00/kg from Rs. 220.00/kg. Limited supply from Galewela and Sigiriya areas contributed to this rise.
Detailed Market Analysis: Wholesale and Retail Trends
The comprehensive report also provides a snapshot of wholesale and retail prices for a broader range of selected food commodities across Pettah, Dambulla, and Narahenpita markets.
Vegetables
While Beans experienced an increase, other vegetables like Carrot and Cabbage largely saw price declines in most markets. For instance, retail Carrot prices dipped, with Narahenpita recording Rs. 360.00/kg, down from Rs. 400.00/kg. Pumpkin and Snake Gourd retail prices remained stable at Rs. 240.00/kg and Rs. 400.00/kg respectively in Narahenpita.
Other Commodities
Apart from the Local Red Onion increase in Dambulla, Imported Big Onion prices generally softened across markets. Retail Imported Big Onion in Narahenpita was stable at Rs. 360.00/kg, while Pettah and Dambulla saw slight decreases. Local Potato prices, however, showed an upward trend, with retail prices in Narahenpita holding at Rs. 480.00/kg. Coconut (Average) retail prices decreased in Pettah and Dambulla, settling at Rs. 158.00/Nut and Rs. 130.00/Nut respectively. Egg (White) prices also saw a marginal increase in retail markets.
Fruits
Fruit prices largely remained stable or saw minor adjustments. Papaw retail prices, for example, increased slightly in Pettah and Dambulla markets to Rs. 230.00/kg and Rs. 190.00/kg, respectively. Pineapple prices remained consistent in Narahenpita at Rs. 450.00/kg.
Rice
Retail prices for key rice varieties demonstrated relative stability. Samba rice maintained its price at Rs. 240.00/kg in Narahenpita, with similar consistency observed for Nadu (Rs. 230.00/kg), Kekulu (White) (Rs. 220.00/kg), and Kekulu (Red) (Rs. 190.00/kg).
Fish
The fish markets presented a mixed bag. While Linna prices declined, Hurulla saw an increase in Negombo. Kelawalla and Thalapath generally maintained high retail prices, with Kelawalla at Rs. 2,760.00/kg in Peliyagoda and Thalapath at Rs. 3,190.00/kg in Negombo. Balaya prices saw an increase in the Negombo retail market, reaching Rs. 1,300.00/kg.
Economic Implications for Consumers
The CBSL’s daily price report serves as a crucial indicator for consumers and policymakers alike. The mixed price movements underscore the impact of regional supply dynamics on market prices. While a good harvest or improved supply can bring relief for certain commodities, shortages due to various factors continue to exert upward pressure on others, affecting household budgets across the country. Monitoring these daily fluctuations is essential for understanding broader inflationary trends and ensuring food security.
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