Prices of 40 commonly purchased consumer goods have decreased by 19% in October this year compared to the same month in 2023, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe announced yesterday (6).

He said that while 15 goods saw a 9.5% price increase, the government has taken measures to lower the prices of frequently purchased essentials.

The Minister added that if 55 to 60 key items are considered, the overall price reduction still averages around 19%, and assured that the government will continue to intervene to maintain this trend.