COLOMBO – 29 September 2026 – Sri Lankan consumers and traders observed a day of mixed price movements across key commodity markets, as detailed in the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s (CBSL) Daily Price Report for 29 September 2026. While several staple vegetables saw price hikes due to supply constraints, others, along with some essential fish and other food items, registered declines, offering some relief.
Vegetable Market Sees Notable Increases and Select Declines
The vegetable sector experienced significant price shifts, primarily driven by supply dynamics from key agricultural regions:
- Beans: Prices for beans rose in both Pettah and Dambulla markets. In Pettah, prices increased from Rs. 550.00 to Rs. 600.00 per kg, while in Dambulla, they climbed from Rs. 470.00 to Rs. 530.00 per kg. This surge is attributed to limited supply originating from Balangoda, Belihuloya, and Nuwara Eliya/Bandarawela areas.
- Cabbage: Similar to beans, cabbage prices increased across Pettah (Rs. 300.00 to Rs. 350.00 per kg) and Dambulla (Rs. 220.00 to Rs. 260.00 per kg) markets. The cause was a restricted supply from Puttalam and Nuwara Eliya/Bandarawela regions.
- Pumpkin: Consumers also faced higher pumpkin prices, with Pettah seeing an increase from Rs. 250.00 to Rs. 300.00 per kg and Dambulla from Rs. 195.00 to Rs. 215.00 per kg. Supply limitations from Monaragala/Kataragama and Bibile/Wellawaya areas were cited as the primary reason.
- Green Chilli: In contrast, green chilli offered some respite as prices declined in both Pettah (Rs. 450.00 to Rs. 400.00 per kg) and Dambulla (Rs. 270.00 to Rs. 255.00 per kg) markets. This favourable shift was due to improved supply from Puttalam and Galewela/Anuradhapura regions.
Fish Market: Linna Prices on the Rise
In the Peliyagoda fish market, the wholesale price of Linna witnessed a further increase, climbing from Rs. 850.00 to Rs. 950.00 per kg. This upward trend is linked to a limited supply from the Southern coastal area, impacting availability and driving prices higher for this popular variety.
Other Essential Commodities Experience Price Adjustments
Beyond vegetables and fish, other key household staples also saw movements:
- Local Red Onion: Prices for local red onion declined significantly in the Dambulla market, dropping from Rs. 385.00 to Rs. 295.00 per kg. This positive development for consumers is due to favourable supply from Puttalam and Jaffna areas.
- Local Potato: Local potato prices also decreased in the Dambulla market, moving from Rs. 275.00 to Rs. 245.00 per kg. The decline is attributed to a healthy supply from Nuwara Eliya and Welimada areas.
- Rice: Prices for most rice varieties, including Samba, Nadu, and Kekulu (White/Red), remained relatively stable across the Marandagahamula, Pettah, and Dambulla markets.
- Coconut: The average price of a coconut in the Dambulla market saw a decline from Rs. 123.00 to Rs. 110.00 per nut, while Pettah and Narahenpita saw slight increases or stability.
The daily price report highlights the dynamic interplay of regional supply and demand factors influencing consumer costs across Sri Lanka. Traders and consumers are encouraged to monitor these trends closely as they impact daily expenditures and market stability.
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