Colombo, 17 September 2026 – The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) today released its Daily Price Report for 17 September 2026, revealing a dynamic and often contrasting picture across the island’s key commodity markets. Consumers and traders alike are navigating fluctuating prices for essential vegetables, fish, and other staples, driven by varying supply conditions from agricultural and coastal regions.
The report highlights significant price movements, with some commodities experiencing notable declines due to favourable harvests, while others saw sharp increases stemming from limited supply. This mixed scenario underscores the intricate balance between production, distribution, and consumer demand in Sri Lanka’s economic landscape.
Vegetable Market Sees Supply-Driven Fluctuations
The vegetable sector presented a contrasting narrative today. Several key items experienced price reductions, offering some relief to household budgets.
- Beans saw a significant price decline in both the Pettah and Dambulla markets. Retail prices in Pettah dropped from Rs. 500.00 to Rs. 350.00 per kilogram, while Dambulla recorded a decrease from Rs. 360.00 to Rs. 320.00. This favourable trend is attributed to an ample supply from regions such as Kandy, Bandarawela, Sigiriya, and Kekirawa.
- Brinjal prices also softened in the Pettah market, with retail rates falling from Rs. 400.00 to Rs. 350.00 per kilogram, primarily due to a good supply from the Embilipitiya area.
- Adding to the positive news for consumers, Green Chilli experienced a sharp drop in wholesale prices in Pettah, moving from Rs. 500.00 to Rs. 300.00 per kilogram, with retail prices also following suit from Rs. 600.00 to Rs. 350.00.
Conversely, other vegetables witnessed price hikes:
- Carrot prices climbed in the Dambulla market, with retail rates increasing from Rs. 175.00 to Rs. 215.00 per kilogram. This rise is a result of limited supply coming from Nuwara Eliya and Bandarawela areas.
- Lime also became more expensive in Dambulla, with retail prices jumping from Rs. 790.00 to Rs. 930.00 per kilogram. Supply constraints from Anuradhapura and Mahiyanganaya were cited as the primary reasons.
Fish Prices Rise Amidst Supply Shortages
The fish market saw upward price revisions for popular varieties, mainly due to reduced catches.
- The wholesale price of Salaya fish increased notably in both Peliyagoda and Negombo markets. In Peliyagoda, prices moved from Rs. 300.00 to Rs. 350.00 per kilogram, while in Negombo, they rose from Rs. 260.00 to Rs. 350.00. The report attributes this increase to a limited supply originating from the Northern coastal area. Retail prices for Salaya also reflected this upward trend.
- Hurulla fish also recorded an increase in wholesale prices in the Negombo market, from Rs. 590.00 to Rs. 700.00 per kilogram, impacting retail prices as well.
Other Essential Commodities: Onions and Potatoes See Increases
Several other essential commodities also experienced price adjustments:
- Local Red Onion prices escalated in the Dambulla market, with retail rates climbing from Rs. 295.00 to Rs. 370.00 per kilogram. This surge is linked to limited supply from the Jaffna and Anuradhapura regions.
- Local Potato also saw an increase in Dambulla, with retail prices rising from Rs. 310.00 to Rs. 330.00 per kilogram due to restricted supply from Nuwara Eliya and Welimada areas.
- Meanwhile, the price of an average Coconut showed mixed trends; while wholesale prices in Pettah saw a slight increase, Dambulla experienced a decrease.
Today’s CBSL Daily Price Report underscores the continuous interplay of regional supply conditions and market demand in shaping daily commodity prices across Sri Lanka. Consumers are encouraged to remain informed about these fluctuations to manage their household budgets effectively.
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