COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – 21 September 2026 – The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) today released its Daily Price Report for 21 September 2026, offering a crucial snapshot of wholesale and retail price movements across key food commodities. The report highlights significant increases in the prices of several essential vegetables and a key fish variety, primarily attributed to supply constraints. In a contrasting development, local potato prices saw a notable decline, bringing some relief to consumers.
The latest data, vital for consumers, traders, and policymakers alike, reveals the ongoing dynamics within the nation’s food supply chains and their direct impact on the cost of living.
Key Vegetable Price Movements: Supply Shortages Drive Increases
The vegetable market witnessed an upward trend for most staple items, largely due to limited supplies from key agricultural regions. Consumers in both Pettah and Dambulla markets are facing higher costs for a range of produce:
- Beans: Prices continued to climb, with retail prices ranging from Rs. 400.00 to Rs. 600.00 per kg in Pettah and Rs. 380.00 to Rs. 585.00 per kg in Dambulla. This increase is attributed to limited supply from Welimada and Nuwara Eliya areas.
- Carrot: An increase was observed in retail prices, reaching Rs. 200.00-250.00 per kg in Pettah and Rs. 205.00-240.00 per kg in Dambulla, primarily driven by restricted supply from the Nuwara Eliya region.
- Cabbage: Retail prices rose to Rs. 250.00-330.00 per kg in Pettah and Rs. 255.00-275.00 per kg in Dambulla. This increase is attributed to limited supply from Nuwara Eliya and Puttalam areas, respectively.
- Brinjal: Both Pettah (Rs. 350.00-400.00 per kg) and Dambulla (Rs. 290.00-355.00 per kg) markets recorded higher retail brinjal prices, stemming from reduced supply from Embilipitiya and Puttalam.
- Green Chilli: A notable increase was seen in retail prices in Pettah (Rs. 350.00-400.00 per kg) and Dambulla (Rs. 320.00-390.00 per kg) markets, specifically due to limited supply from the Jaffna area.
In a contrasting and positive trend, local potato prices offered a measure of relief:
- Local Potato: Retail prices declined significantly in both Pettah (from Rs. 400.00 per kg last Friday to Rs. 375.00 per kg today) and Dambulla (from Rs. 320.00 per kg to Rs. 285.00 per kg today) markets. This favourable development is attributed to an improved supply from Nuwara Eliya and Welimada areas.
Fish Market Update: Salaya Prices on the Rise
The fish market also experienced upward price adjustments for certain varieties. The wholesale price of Salaya saw a significant increase, rising to Rs. 500.00 per kg in both Peliyagoda and Negombo fish markets today, compared to last Friday’s prices of Rs. 350.00 and Rs. 300.00 per kg respectively. This escalation is primarily due to limited supply originating from the Northern coastal area.
Other fish varieties like Kelawalla, Thalapath, Balaya, Paraw, Hurulla, and Linna showed varied price movements, with some remaining stable and others experiencing minor shifts in different markets.
Other Key Commodities: A Mixed Bag
The report also details wholesale and retail prices for other essential food items. While many staples remained relatively stable compared to last Friday, some notable observations include:
- Onions: Prices for both local Red Onion and Big Onion experienced some fluctuations, with imported varieties showing competitive pricing where available.
- Rice: Prices for Samba, Nadu, Kekulu (White), and Kekulu (Red) rice remained largely stable across Marandagahamula, Pettah, Dambulla, and Narahenpita markets. Imported Ponni Samba rice was also reported.
- Pulses and Spices: Red Dhal and Imported Dried Chilli showed consistent pricing.
- Fruits: Banana (Sour) and Papaw prices displayed minor fluctuations, while imported Apples and Oranges maintained their price points.
The CBSL’s daily price report serves as an essential indicator of market conditions and supply-demand dynamics, helping the public and businesses navigate the fluctuating costs of essential goods in Sri Lanka. The persistent supply issues impacting fresh produce and certain fish varieties underscore the need for resilient agricultural and fisheries sectors to mitigate future price volatility.
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