The Essential Food Importers’ Association has warned that prices of several imported food items are likely to increase in the coming weeks due to the continued depreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee against the US dollar.

Speaking to the media, Association Secretary P. Subramaniam said fluctuations in the exchange rate were directly affecting the cost of importing essential commodities.

He stated that prices of several key food items, including sugar, dhal, and rice, were expected to increase as import costs continue to rise.

Meanwhile, the Milk Powder Importers’ Association announced a price increase for powdered milk products, citing prevailing market conditions and exchange rate fluctuations.

According to the association, the price of a 400-gram packet of powdered milk has been increased by Rs. 50, while a one-kilogram packet has been increased by Rs. 125.

The revised prices will apply to powdered milk packets packed from today (20), importers said.

They added that the decision was taken after considering the current economic conditions and the impact of foreign exchange rate changes on import costs.