• Decision follows meeting between Trade Min. & poultry industry stakeholders 

Following a meeting held at the Trade Ministry yesterday (24), stakeholders of the poultry industry, including egg producers and traders, have reached an agreement to sell eggs at a retail price below Rs. 41. The decision comes after discussions with the All-Ceylon Egg Producers’ Association (ACEPA) and other key industry participants.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday, the ACEPA President Sarath Rathnayake stated that the Government recognised the high costs associated with producing an egg and agreed to provide the necessary support to the industry. He mentioned that the meeting, which included representatives from the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) and the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH), was productive. "We had a fruitful discussion with the Government agencies. We explained the average cost of producing an egg, and they understood the significant expenses that we face," Rathnayake said. He further explained that the Government has committed to providing relief to help minimise production costs. "Even the DAPH accepted the statistics that we presented," he added.

Rathnayake noted that more than 75% of the population, particularly in Districts such as Colombo and Gampaha in the Western Province, where the demand for eggs is high, could expect to buy eggs at the new lower price of under Rs. 41. However, he clarified that the situation in remote areas, where the demand is lower, may differ. "In areas with smaller populations and lower consumption, such as rural districts, it is not feasible for traders to sell eggs at this price due to the lower profitability," he stated.

Eggs, which were being sold at prices ranging from Rs. 27 to Rs. 30 earlier this month (October) have seen a significant price increase, now retailing between Rs. 34 and Rs. 45 in local markets. As local poultry producers had failed to reduce the high prices of eggs despite having been notified, the previous Government led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, granted permission earlier last year (2023) to import eggs from India which was later extended until April of this year, in a bid to control the unreasonable increase in egg prices in the local market.