COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – 22 September 2026 – Consumers and traders across Sri Lanka witnessed a day of mixed price movements for essential commodities, according to the latest Daily Price Report released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). While a favourable supply led to declines in the prices of several key vegetables and fish varieties, certain items like pumpkin and local red onion saw increases in specific markets.
The report, published today, September 22, 2026, provides a crucial snapshot of wholesale and retail price developments across major markets, including Pettah, Dambulla, Narahenpita, Peliyagoda, and Negombo, highlighting the dynamic interplay of supply and demand.
Vegetable Prices See Notable Declines Amidst Favourable Supply
Several staple vegetables became more affordable in key markets today:
- Beans: Prices for beans declined significantly in both Pettah and Dambulla markets. This reduction was attributed to a favourable supply arriving from major cultivating areas such as Welimada, Badulla, Walawela, and Nuwara Eliya. Retail prices in Dambulla, for instance, saw a notable drop from Rs. 585.00/kg to Rs. 435.00/kg.
- Cabbage: Shoppers in Pettah and Dambulla also benefited from lower cabbage prices, again due to ample supply from Nuwara Eliya and Puttalam regions. Retail prices in Dambulla moved from Rs. 275.00/kg to Rs. 240.00/kg.
- Brinjal: Favourable supply from Embilipitiya, Mahiyanganaya, and Puttalam areas resulted in price declines for brinjal in both Pettah and Dambulla markets. The retail price in Pettah decreased from Rs. 400.00/kg to Rs. 350.00/kg.
However, not all vegetables followed this downward trend:
- Pumpkin: Contrasting the general decline, pumpkin prices increased further in the Dambulla market. This was primarily due to limited supply originating from the Jaffna and Mahiyanganaya areas. Retail prices in Dambulla rose from Rs. 190.00/kg to Rs. 220.00/kg.
Fish Market Update: Lower Prices for Salaya and Hurulla
The fish markets also experienced significant price adjustments, largely driven by improved supply:
- Salaya: Wholesale prices for Salaya declined in both Peliyagoda and Negombo fish markets. This was due to a favourable supply from the Northern coastal area. Retail prices in Peliyagoda saw a reduction from Rs. 680.00/kg to Rs. 580.00/kg.
- Hurulla: The Negombo fish market reported a decline in Hurulla wholesale prices, benefiting from favourable supply from the Southern coastal area. Retail prices in Peliyagoda also decreased from Rs. 1,300.00/kg to Rs. 1,060.00/kg.
Other Key Commodities: Red Onion Fluctuation
Among other essential items, local red onion prices saw a decline in the Dambulla market. This was attributed to a favourable supply influx from Puttalam, Trincomalee, and Jaffna areas, with retail prices dropping from Rs. 325.00/kg to Rs. 295.00/kg. However, Narahenpita retail prices for local red onion showed an increase from Rs. 650.00/kg to Rs. 700.00/kg, indicating regional disparities.
Prices for other staples like rice (Samba, Nadu, Kekulu), imported red and big onions, and potatoes remained largely stable across the reported markets for the day.
The daily price report serves as an essential tool for monitoring market dynamics, providing valuable insights for policymakers, traders, and the general public on the cost of living in Sri Lanka.
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