Social Security Tax trigger lunch packet prices go up

The prices of most of the food varieties have been increased after the imposition of the Social Security Contribution Tax, the All Island Canteen Owners' Association (AICOA) today said.

AICOA Chief Asela Sampath told the Daily Mirror that soon after the tax was imposed, the prices of most food-related items have gone up.
We have not taken any collective decision to increase the price of a lunch packet yet, but most of the hotels have increased the prices by Rs.10, Rs.15, and Rs.20, Sampath said.

He claimed that the price increase had affected fried rice, Kottu, and other fast food varieties.

The recent price reductions on LITRO gas was very helpful in keeping the lunch packet prices at a comfortable float.

However, we will announce the decision after once LITRO reduces the price of gas cylinders from tomorrow, Sampath added. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)