Vegetable prices at major Economic Centres continue to fluctuate this week, with beans surpassing Rs. 1,000 per kilogram at the Dambulla Dedicated Economic Centre, even as prices of items like carrots show a steady decline.
A similar mixed price pattern is reported from the Meegoda and Welisara Economic Centres as the market adjusts following supply disruptions caused by recent severe weather.
At the Meegoda Economic Centre, the wholesale price list issued on December 8 showed beans selling between Rs. 1,100 and 1,200 per kilogram, marking a continuing surge. Cabbage was priced between Rs. 200 and 250 per kilogram. Carrot prices, which spiked in the immediate aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, have now eased to Rs. 200–250. Brinjal prices remained fairly steady at Rs. 300–370 per kilogram.
In Dambulla, price movements between December 1 and 9 indicate a gradual stabilisation of supply. Nuwara Eliya carrots, which were priced at Rs. 800–900 on December 1, dropped sharply to Rs. 110–150 by December 9. Beetroot prices fluctuated only slightly, settling between Rs. 180 and 220. However, the price of beans rose significantly—from Rs. 540–550 at the start of the month to Rs. 900–1,000 by December 9—due to reduced supply from up-country areas struggling with flood damage, destroyed crops and transport delays.
At the Welisara Dedicated Economic Centre, prices between December 5 and 9 reflect gradual normalisation. Beans, previously priced at Rs. 820–900 per kilogram, fell to Rs. 750–800. Carrot prices, which soared to Rs. 470–520 after the cyclone, have declined to Rs. 240–300. Beetroot saw slight adjustments, while leeks dropped more noticeably from Rs. 330–400 to Rs. 240–300 per kilogram.
Overall, while several vegetables are returning to typical price levels, key items — especially beans — remain volatile as affected cultivation areas continue to recover from the impact of recent adverse weather.
