COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – 23 September 2026 – The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) today released its daily price report, revealing a mixed bag of price movements for essential commodities across key markets. Consumers can expect some relief in vegetable and fish prices due to favourable supply, while certain items like tomatoes have seen an upward trend.
The report, detailing price developments as of 23 September 2026, highlights notable declines in several popular vegetables and a significant drop in Salaya fish prices. However, a limited supply has pushed up the price of tomatoes in certain markets.
Relief for Vegetable Shoppers as Key Prices Fall
Several staple vegetables have experienced a welcome decline in price across major markets, largely attributed to robust supply from producing regions:
- Beans: The price of beans continued its downward trajectory in both Pettah and Dambulla markets. In Pettah, prices dropped from Rs. 550.00 to Rs. 500.00 per kilogram, while Dambulla saw a decrease from Rs. 435.00 to Rs. 380.00. This favourable movement is due to ample supply from Balangoda and Bandarawela areas.
- Carrot: Shoppers will find carrots more affordable today, with prices declining in Pettah (Rs. 250.00 to Rs. 200.00 per kg) and Dambulla (Rs. 245.00 to Rs. 205.00 per kg). This is thanks to a good supply from the Nuwara Eliya region.
- Cabbage: Similar to beans and carrots, cabbage prices also fell in both Pettah (Rs. 300.00 to Rs. 250.00 per kg) and Dambulla (Rs. 240.00 to Rs. 205.00 per kg), supported by favourable supply from Nuwara Eliya and Puttalam areas.
However, not all vegetable prices are declining. Tomato prices saw an increase in the Dambulla market, rising from Rs. 285.00 to Rs. 340.00 per kilogram. This surge is due to a limited supply originating from Galewela and Elahera areas.
Other vegetables like brinjal, pumpkin, snake gourd, and green chilli generally showed stable prices across markets, with only minor fluctuations observed.
Fish Market Sees Declines, Especially for Salaya
The fish market reported a significant drop in the wholesale price of Salaya. Both Peliyagoda and Negombo fish markets recorded further declines compared to yesterday. Peliyagoda saw prices fall from Rs. 400.00 to Rs. 350.00 per kilogram, and Negombo from Rs. 340.00 to Rs. 320.00 per kilogram. This decline is attributed to a favourable supply from the Northern coastal area.
Prices for other fish varieties such as Kelawalla, Thalapath, Balaya, and Paraw remained relatively stable or saw minor changes in the wholesale and retail markets.
Other Essential Commodities: Potato and Coconut Cheaper
The report also highlighted price changes in other crucial commodities:
- Local Potato: Prices in the Dambulla market declined from Rs. 310.00 to Rs. 285.00 per kilogram, owing to a favourable supply from Nuwara Eliya and Welimada areas.
- Coconut: Consumers in Dambulla will find coconuts cheaper, with prices dropping from Rs. 138.00 to Rs. 120.00 per nut due to a good supply from Kurunegala and Matale areas.
Meanwhile, prices for local and imported varieties of red onion and big onion showed marginal changes or remained stable. Imported dried chilli, coconut oil, red dhal, white sugar, and eggs also maintained consistent price levels across the reported markets.
Fruit Market Trends
In the fruit segment, the price of Papaw declined in the Dambulla market (Rs. 165.00 to Rs. 135.00 per kg), while Pineapple saw an increase (Rs. 320.00 to Rs. 375.00 per kg) in the same market. Imported apples and oranges remained stable.
Rice Prices Hold Steady
Prices for various rice types, including Samba, Nadu, and Kekulu (white and red), largely remained stable across the Marandagahamula and other markets, offering consistency for household budgets.
Overall, the 23 September 2026 Daily Price Report from the CBSL indicates a mixed market environment, with seasonal agricultural supply driving down prices for several key vegetables and fish, while specific supply constraints impact others. Consumers are advised to refer to local market prices for the most current figures.
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