Sales of cakes, bread, and buns have plummeted by half in Sri Lanka, reports the All Ceylon Bakery Owners' Association (ACBOA).

Rising manufacturing costs, with margarine and butter hitting Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 3,000 per kilogram respectively, are to blame.

Additionally, delayed egg imports from India force bakeries to buy local eggs at Rs. 60 each, further straining profits.

The ACBOA urges government intervention, seeking concessions and ingredient price reductions ahead of the Sinhala and Hindu New Year festivities.