COLOMBO, 08 September 2026 – Sri Lanka’s essential commodity markets displayed a mix of upward and downward price movements on Tuesday, 08 September 2026, according to the daily price report released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). The report highlights notable fluctuations in vegetable and fish prices, primarily influenced by supply dynamics across key agricultural and coastal regions.
Key Trends in Vegetable Markets
Consumers witnessed varied price changes in the vegetable sector. In the Dambulla market, which serves as a vital hub for produce distribution, prices for several staples saw shifts:
- Tomato prices experienced a significant decline, falling from Rs. 420.00 per kg yesterday to Rs. 355.00 per kg today. This favourable reduction is attributed to an abundant supply from major cultivating areas including Sigiriya, Puttalam, and Mahiyanganaya.
- Similarly, Brinjal prices also decreased in Dambulla, moving from Rs. 385.00 per kg to Rs. 360.00 per kg. This positive development for consumers was a result of healthy supply flows from Puttalam and Sigiriya.
- Conversely, Pumpkin prices in Dambulla recorded an increase, rising from Rs. 155.00 per kg to Rs. 165.00 per kg. The upward trend was due to a limited supply originating from the Monaragala and Mahiyanganaya regions.
- In the Pettah market, Lime prices surged further, climbing from Rs. 600.00 per kg to Rs. 700.00 per kg. This increase was primarily driven by constrained supply from Monaragala and Bibile areas.
Fisheries Sector Sees Price Declines
The fish markets brought some relief to consumers, with prominent varieties registering price drops:
- The wholesale price of Kelawalla (Yellowfin Tuna) notably declined at the Peliyagoda fish market, dropping from Rs. 2,000.00 per kg yesterday to Rs. 1,700.00 per kg today. This decrease is attributed to a favourable supply stream from the Southern coastal belt.
- Salaya (Sardine) also saw a significant reduction in wholesale prices across both Peliyagoda and Negombo fish markets. At Peliyagoda, prices fell from Rs. 450.00 per kg to Rs. 350.00 per kg, while in Negombo, they decreased from Rs. 550.00 per kg to Rs. 450.00 per kg. This widespread decline was supported by a good supply from the Northern coastal area.
Spotlight on Other Essential Commodities
Beyond vegetables and fish, other key commodities also experienced price adjustments:
- Local Red Onion prices increased further in the Dambulla market, moving from Rs. 295.00 per kg to Rs. 310.00 per kg. The rise is linked to a limited supply from Anuradhapura and Puttalam areas.
Comprehensive Market Overview
The CBSL’s daily report provides a detailed overview of wholesale and retail prices for a broad spectrum of food commodities across major markets including Pettah, Dambulla, and Narahenpita. This includes various types of rice (Samba, Nadu, Kekulu), other essential items such as imported onions, potatoes, dried chilli, coconut, coconut oil, red dhal, sugar, and eggs, as well as a range of fruits like banana, papaw, pineapple, apples, and oranges. The report also meticulously tracks prices for other fish varieties like Thalapath, Balaya, Paraw, Hurulla, and Linna.
The Central Bank’s daily price monitoring is crucial for understanding prevailing market conditions, assessing inflation trends, and informing policy decisions aimed at ensuring food security and price stability for Sri Lankan households.
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