News

Price of essential food items tripled since 2022 – Dr. Chandrasiri

Published

7 months ago

September 12, 2024

editor

Director of Socio- Economics and Planning at the Department of Agriculture, Dr. Chamila Chandrasiri said there has been a threefold hike in prices of essential food items since 2022.

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) released new price ranges of selected food items yesterday, impacting a wide array of products from staples like rice and sugar to vegetables and dairy products. The price of white sugar has almost doubled since 2021, increasing from 115 LKR/kg to 230-269 LKR/kg. Further, the price of white rice has climbed sharply from 175 LKR/kg to 184-210 LKR/kg.

According to the Department of Census and Statistics, cost of food in Sri Lanka increased 0.80 percent in August 2024 over the same month in the previous year, and food inflation has averaged 10.58 percent from 2009 until 2024.

Dr. Chandrasiri told the Daily Mirror that the surge in output prices is due to a rise in machinery and labor costs. “The Department of Agriculture has implemented long term programs to double rice and maize production and introduced technical packages for paddy cultivation to improve overall yields. We also believe in reducing rice imports and paving the road to self- sufficiency,” she said.

She explained that the stark increase in food prices comes in response to inflationary pressures, and the CAA has since stepped in to regulate price hikes on essential commodities such as rice. “It was only a few months ago that the price of carrots grew to 2000 Rupees, price stabilization in the market should be of utmost concern,” she said.

(dailymirror.lk)

(This story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Dan Priyasad not dead – police (Update)

Published

5 hours ago

April 22, 2025

editor

The Police Media Spokesman says that political activist Dan Priyasad is not dead, but is in critical condition at the Intensive Care Unit.

Previously, the police had stated that Priyasad had succumbed to his injuries after being shot at a housing complex in Salamulla, Wellampitiya.

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(Previous News : 2025/04/22 at 10:41 pm)

Dan Priyasad dies after being shot

Political activist Dan Priyasad has been died after being fatally shot today (April 22).

According to the police, he was shot at a housing complex in Salamulla, Wellampitiya by two two unidentified individuals, who had arrived at the scene on a motorcycle. They had fired at Priyasad before fleeing the scene.

Priyasad had passed away after being hospitalised.

Another person who received minor injuries in the incident, is being treated at hospital.

Wellampitiya Police are conducting further investigations.

News

‘Sri Lanka Mirror’ Chief Editor’s mother passes away

Published

7 hours ago

April 22, 2025

editor

We solemnly announce the passing of Mrs. Pushpa Ranjani Liyanage, cherished wife of late Milk Board manager – Mr. L.S. Rodrigo and the beloved mother of ‘Sri Lanka Mirror’ Chief Editor – Mr. Kelum Shivantha.

Remains will lie at Supreme Rest Funeral Parlour, Kelanimulla from 11.00am to 10.30pm on April 23 and on April 24 morning.

Final rites will be held at the Pilapitiya Cemetery crematorium on April 24 at 3.00 pm.

News

Country has sufficient insulin stocks – Nalinda

Published

7 hours ago

April 22, 2025

editor

Minister of Health Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has assured that the government has already distributed sufficient insulin stocks for the next four months.

Therefore, he urged the public not to have any unnecessary fears over the matter.

Speaking earlier today (April 22) during the weekly Cabinet briefing, he assured that there is enough insulin available in the country until September this year.
He added that measures are taken to maintain medicine stocks sufficient for a period of four to six months to prevent any shortages.