Sri Lanka Urges Public Not to Stockpile Essentials
The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has urged the public not to hoard essential goods amid fears of supply shortages. CAA Director Asela Bandara stated that consumers should avoid buying more than they need.
He assured the public that no shortages will occur during the festive season. Essential goods will remain available for everyone.
Customs spokesperson Sandana Punchihewa clarified that imports face no restrictions. Minor delays occur only because inspection facilities are limited. Authorities are currently expanding these facilities to reduce delays.
Meanwhile, B. Subramaniam, Secretary of the Essential Food Importers and Traders Association, highlighted that artificial scarcity and price hikes are driven by middlemen, not by actual shortages.
Imports of pulses from Australia are expected to arrive by the end of March. Prices will stabilize between LKR 265–270 per kilogram in the first week of April. Even if fuel prices rise during the festive season, essential food prices are expected to increase by no more than LKR 20.
Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development Minister Vasantha Samarasinha emphasized that there are no controlled prices on pulses, so retailers cannot intervene aggressively.
However, the CAA will take strict action if traders attempt to hoard goods. Authorities have already procured 90% of essential items needed for the festive season.
Officials urge citizens to buy responsibly and avoid panic purchases to ensure supplies remain steady across the country.