Following several years of muted celebrations, Sri Lanka is once again getting into the swing of celebrating the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.
Although hampered by the state of the economy and escalating cost of living leading to tightened budgets many are continuing to plan for Avurudu festivities.
While official statistics show that the prices of ingredients typically used to make Avurudu sweetmeats have increased significantly, several people as well as home-based sweetmeat sellers The Sunday Morning spoke to asserted that the show would go on despite the prevailing difficulties.
For instance, green gram, used for making mung kavum and other popular festive treats, has seen a massive price increase, from Rs. 827 a kilo last March (2022) to an average Rs. 1,570 this March.
According to the Department of Census and Statistics, other Avurudu season essentials such as coconut oil (750 ml), tamarind (per kg), sugar (per kg), and cinnamon (per kg) are at Rs. 550, Rs. 554, Rs. 220, and Rs. 5,280 this March compared to Rs. 660, Rs. 478, Rs. 193, and Rs. 4,308 the previous March.
Meanwhile, raw rice (per kg), both red and white, are Rs. 185 and Rs. 194 this March compared to Rs. 171 and Rs. 175 the previous year.
On the mend
Speaking to The Sunday Morning, National Movement for Consumer Rights Protection Chairman Ranjith Vithanage said that things appeared to be on the mend this year, in comparison to the previous years of the pandemic and assorted crises.
“Compared to last year, there appears to be a certain improvement in the situation for the consumer in terms of relief, since there has been a general price drop of vegetables and other essential goods. However, the prices of clothes remain high. Nevertheless, with the reduction of LP Gas, diesel, and petrol prices, there is a certain degree of relief for the consumer at present.”
Nevertheless, he highlighted that the Government should take steps to ensure that these benefits were passed on to consumers.
Continuing traditions
Meanwhile, several individuals who celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year shared that despite the higher prices, they would continue to engage in typical Avurudu activities including making sweetmeats.
Nalini, one such individual, shared that in addition to making sweetmeats at home, she also sold kithul treacle to the shops. According to her, a bottle of kithul treacle which they used to sell for Rs. 900 last year was now sold at Rs. 1,200, while the shop sold it for Rs. 1,400 compared to Rs. 1,000 the previous year.
However, several people also noted that with the increased cost of Avurudu essentials such as coconut oil, treacle, and flour, it was difficult to make the same quantities of sweetmeats, although they were determined to continue the tradition as it was an essential component of New Year festivities.
Business as usual
Meanwhile, sweetmeat sellers operating home-based businesses who spoke to The Sunday Morning stated that business had not seen a significant decline this year, noting that orders were continuing to flow in.
Moreover, none reported any shortage of commodities required for making Avurudu sweetmeats, although they stressed that the prices of all goods had increased.
Disna Foods Owner Disna Jayanthi shared that she was not seeing any shortage of orders despite the economic situation, especially as her regular customers chose to purchase from her as usual. “I have customers who give orders every year and I’m operating this year with their support as well, in addition to having new customers. There has been no change in customers or orders.”
Price hikes
Still, there has been a significant increase in prices, she noted, especially compared to last year. “A bottle of coconut oil has increased to Rs. 500 from Rs. 300. With honey and rice also having increased, this has caused an increase in sweetmeat prices as well. However, since customers find it easier to purchase these sweetmeats rather than make them at home, they continue to buy from me.”
“Every sweetmeat needs rice flour, coconut oil, and treacle, which means prices of ingredients have increased. However, since we have to make sure that the customer can bear the cost, we try to offer a fair price,” she shared.
Another seller of sweetmeats from Kandy too noted that there was no shortage of orders from customers, although she also confirmed that the increased prices of ingredients was problematic, leading to her having to increase the prices of her sweetmeats.
More orders
Mama’s Pot Owner Nihanga even shared that she had experienced an increase in Avurudu orders this year. “Last year we received around 100 orders from one platform, but this year it is above 350.”
Addressing the status of ingredients, she said: “Everything is available, but the prices have definitely gone up and the costs are higher.” While this has led to an increase in the prices of the sweetmeats sold, she noted that the increase in orders had ensured that this would not cause a significant impact.
While this year’s Avurudu celebrations by no means indicate a substantial reversal of fortunes for Sri Lanka, it appears that many are planning to observe the celebrations amidst a slight easing of economic conditions.