Colombo, Sri Lanka – 07 September 2026 – The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) today issued its Daily Price Report for September 07, 2026, highlighting varied price developments across the nation’s key commodity markets. The report indicates notable price increases for several essential vegetables and certain fish varieties, primarily influenced by prevailing supply chain conditions, while other staples saw price declines.
These daily updates are crucial for understanding the economic landscape and the cost of living in Sri Lanka, offering transparency on market dynamics affecting consumers and businesses nationwide.
Key Vegetable Prices See Upward Trend
Consumers are likely to experience higher costs for several staple vegetables, with major market hubs reporting significant increases:
- Beans: In the Dambulla market, the price of beans surged from Rs. 305.00 to Rs. 390.00 per kilogram. This substantial rise is attributed to a limited supply from the Nuwara Eliya and Bandarawela cultivation areas.
- Cabbage: Dambulla also recorded an increase in cabbage prices, moving from Rs. 170.00 to Rs. 235.00 per kilogram. The report links this increase to restricted supply originating from the Puttalam area.
- Tomato: Prices for tomatoes saw significant hikes in both Pettah and Dambulla markets. In Pettah, prices rose from Rs. 350.00 to Rs. 400.00 per kilogram, while Dambulla experienced a steeper increase from Rs. 295.00 to Rs. 420.00 per kilogram. Limited supply from the Embilipitiya and Sigiriya regions is cited as the primary cause.
- Lime: Lime prices followed a similar upward trajectory. Pettah reported an increase from Rs. 550.00 to Rs. 600.00 per kilogram, and Dambulla saw a jump from Rs. 555.00 to Rs. 670.00 per kilogram. Reduced availability from Jaffna, Kilinochchi, and Anuradhapura areas contributed to these increases.
Mixed Dynamics in the Fish Market
Sri Lanka’s fish markets presented a more mixed picture, with some varieties becoming more expensive and others declining:
- Paraw: The wholesale price of Paraw fish in the Peliyagoda fish market increased from Rs. 1,400.00 to Rs. 1,600.00 per kilogram. This upward adjustment is due to a limited supply originating from the Northern coastal area.
- Hurulla: Conversely, the wholesale price of Hurulla experienced a notable decline. In the Peliyagoda market, prices fell from Rs. 1,100.00 to Rs. 800.00 per kilogram, and in Negombo, they dropped from Rs. 850.00 to Rs. 650.00 per kilogram. This decrease is attributed to a more favourable supply from the Northern coastal area.
Other Key Commodities: Imported Big Onion Price Rises
Beyond fresh produce and seafood, the price of imported big onions also registered an increase:
- Imported Big Onion: In the Dambulla market, the price of imported big onions rose from Rs. 280.00 to Rs. 295.00 per kilogram. This increase is linked to the limited availability of Indian varieties in the market.
Implications for Sri Lankan Economy and Consumers
The latest CBSL daily price report underscores the ongoing sensitivity of Sri Lanka’s domestic markets to supply-side factors, including agricultural yields and regional logistical efficiencies. The observed price escalations in essential food items like vegetables and certain fish categories indicate potential pressures on household budgets and highlight the importance of stable supply chains for economic stability. These insights are vital for policymakers in formulating strategies to mitigate inflationary impacts and ensure food security.
Source: Read original document
