Food outlets increase price of lunch packets

Food outlets have increased prices of packets of lunch, pastries and other bakery products – passing on the extra taxes to unsuspecting consumers and thereby sending living costs higher. In line with the 2016 Budget proposals, the Government from January 1 doubled the Nation Building Tax (NBT) from 2% to 4% and increased other taxes also.

From this week, the price of a packet of rice was increased by about Rs. 30 in most takeaway outlets while most pastries and confectionary products were increased by Rs. 5. Bakery Owners’ Association, President N.K. Jayawardena said they were passing on the NBT increase to the customers. He said there were no controlled prices for cooked and most bakery items and therefore they could fix their own prices. He said even the price of a loaf of bread might be increased.

Mr. Jayawardena said they had talks with Finance Minister Ravi Karunanyake on this issue and he has promised some relief. “Till this relief comes, the bakers cannot give relief to the customers.”