Good news for Sri Lankan consumers! The All Ceylon Poultry Traders Association (ACPTA) is urging the government to halt egg imports as local production increases. ACPTA President Ajith Gunasekara attributes this growth to the reopening and expansion of poultry farms that were shuttered during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With local production on the rise, egg prices are expected to drop significantly. Gunasekara anticipates prices falling from the current Rs. 60-65 range to Rs. 42-48, with a further decrease projected for the upcoming festive season.
The Minister of Agriculture, Mahinda Amaraweera, echoes this optimism. He confirms a marked improvement in domestic egg production and assures consumers that locally produced eggs will be available for under Rs. 35 each during the New Year festivities.
Minister Amaraweera goes on to urge middlemen and traders to refrain from profiteering and pass on these cost reductions to consumers. He also calls for a decrease in chicken prices during the festive season, citing the recent government tax relief on animal feed.
Responding to the Minister’s announcement, the All Ceylon Bakery Association President, N.K. Jayawardana, expressed delight. He anticipates that a significant drop in egg prices could translate to a reduction of Rs. 100 or more per kilogram on various bakery products.
Overall, this is a positive development for Sri Lankan consumers. Increased local egg production and government intervention on animal feed prices are expected to bring down the cost of eggs and bakery goods during the festive season.