COLOMBO, 04 September 2026 – The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) today released its Daily Price Report for September 4, 2026, offering crucial insights into the wholesale and retail price movements of essential food commodities across key markets. The report highlights a day of varied market dynamics, with significant price declines observed in several vegetables and fish varieties, alongside notable increases in commodities such as brinjal and coconut.
The comprehensive report, accessible via the official CBSL channels, provides a snapshot of the economic landscape, reflecting the interplay of supply chain efficiencies and demand fluctuations affecting Sri Lankan consumers and traders alike.
Vegetable Market Experiences Favourable Supply, Leading to Price Reductions
Consumers will note a welcome decline in the prices of several common vegetables, primarily attributed to improved supply from major agricultural regions. The report indicates:
- Beans: Prices for beans saw a notable decline in both Pettah and Dambulla markets. This reduction is primarily due to a favourable supply surge from Balangoda, Welimada, and Nuwara Eliya areas. Retail prices in Pettah, for instance, dropped from Rs. 500.00 yesterday to Rs. 450.00 today.
- Cabbage: Similar to beans, cabbage prices fell in Pettah and Dambulla markets. This favourable movement is linked to increased supplies from Nuwara Eliya and Puttalam.
- Green Chilli: Both Pettah and Dambulla markets reported a decline in green chilli prices, thanks to a healthy inflow from Jaffna, Marawiyan, and Elahera regions.
However, not all vegetables followed this downward trend. Brinjal prices witnessed an increase in both Pettah and Dambulla markets, a consequence of limited supply originating from Embilipitiya and Sigiriya areas. Wholesale brinjal prices in Pettah rose from Rs. 350.00 to Rs. 400.00 per kilogram.
Fish Market Sees Declines in Key Varieties
The fisheries sector also presented a mixed but generally favourable picture for consumers, with declines in certain popular fish varieties:
- Salaya: The wholesale price of Salaya declined in the Negombo fish market, driven by a favourable supply from the Wennappuwa area.
- Hurulla: Prices for Hurulla decreased in both Peliyagoda and Negombo fish markets. This positive shift is attributed to favourable supplies from Chilaw, Kalpitiya, and Wennappuwa.
Coconut Prices on the Rise, Other Staples Remain Steady
Among other essential commodities, the price of coconut experienced an increase in the Dambulla market. This upward movement is linked to a limited supply from the Ibbagamuwa and Kurunegala areas, with the retail price per nut in Dambulla rising from Rs. 105.00 to Rs. 120.00.
Looking at other staples, the report shows relative stability in rice prices across varieties like Samba, Nadu, and Kekulu in the Marandagahamula market. Imported big onion prices saw a slight increase, while local potato prices edged up in some retail markets like Narahenpita. Egg prices saw a marginal decrease in Dambulla, with white eggs now retailing at Rs. 37.00 each compared to Rs. 40.00 yesterday.
Implications for Consumers and the Economy
The daily price report underscores the dynamic nature of Sri Lanka’s commodity markets. While favourable weather conditions and efficient supply chains have brought relief to consumers through reduced vegetable and fish prices, localized supply constraints, as seen with brinjal and coconut, can quickly lead to price increases. Monitoring these daily fluctuations is crucial for policymakers to ensure food security and price stability.
The CBSL’s regular dissemination of these reports empowers businesses to make informed decisions and provides households with transparent data to manage their budgets effectively amidst varying market conditions.
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