Colombo, Sri Lanka – 18 September 2026 – Sri Lanka’s essential commodity markets displayed a mix of price movements on September 18, 2026, according to the latest Daily Price Report released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). Fluctuations in vegetable and fish prices were primarily driven by shifts in regional supply, impacting both wholesale and retail sectors across key markets like Pettah, Dambulla, and Negombo.
Vegetable Prices See Notable Swings
Consumers witnessed an upward trend in the price of Beans across major trading hubs. In the Pettah market, the price per kilogram rose from Rs. 350.00 to Rs. 400.00, while in Dambulla, it increased from Rs. 320.00 to Rs. 380.00. This increase is attributed to a limited supply originating from cultivating areas such as Kandy, Gallenwela, and Nuwara Eliya. This highlights the vulnerability of vegetable prices to regional agricultural output.
Conversely, the price of Carrot saw a decline in the Pettah market, dropping from Rs. 230.00 to Rs. 200.00 per kilogram. This favourable movement was due to an increased and consistent supply from the Nuwara Eliya area. Similarly, Brinjal prices decreased in the Dambulla market, falling from Rs. 310.00 to Rs. 290.00 per kilogram, thanks to robust supply from Puttalam and Kekirawa regions.
However, the price of Lime continued its upward trajectory in the Dambulla market, escalating from Rs. 930.00 to Rs. 980.00 per kilogram. This persistent increase is a direct consequence of limited supplies from Anuradhapura and Elahera areas, signaling potential challenges for households and food service providers relying on this essential citrus.
Fish Market Dynamics Reflect Supply Constraints and Abundance
The fish market presented a contrasting picture. The price of Salaya experienced a welcome decline in the Negombo market, with prices dropping from Rs. 420.00 to Rs. 360.00 per kilogram. This downward adjustment was made possible by a favourable supply from the Southern coastal area, indicating a positive catch for local fishermen.
In contrast, the wholesale price of Linna witnessed a significant increase in both Peliyagoda and Negombo markets. In Peliyagoda, prices climbed from Rs. 850.00 to Rs. 900.00, and more dramatically in Negombo, from Rs. 750.00 to Rs. 1,050.00 per kilogram. This surge is primarily due to a limited supply originating from the Southern coastal area, underscoring the impact of catch volumes on market stability.
Other Key Commodities: Red Onion Prices Ease
In the “Other” commodity category, local Red Onion prices registered a notable decline in the Dambulla market, falling from Rs. 370.00 to Rs. 320.00 per kilogram. This positive trend for consumers is attributed to favourable supplies from the Jaffna and Anuradhapura regions, crucial agricultural hubs for this staple ingredient.
Detailed Overview of Wholesale and Retail Prices
The CBSL’s comprehensive report provides a detailed breakdown of wholesale and retail prices for a wide range of food commodities across various markets, including Pettah, Dambulla, and Narahenpita, offering crucial insights for traders and consumers alike. Key items tracked include various vegetables, onions, potatoes, dried chilli, coconut, coconut oil, red dhal, sugar, eggs, and a selection of fruits and rice varieties.
Today’s report highlights the ongoing influence of localized supply and demand dynamics on the daily cost of living for Sri Lankans, reinforcing the importance of monitoring agricultural output and supply chain efficiencies.
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