Coconut sambol and kiri hodi, staples of Sri Lankan cuisine, have vanished from canteen menus across the country as soaring coconut prices wreak havoc on food costs, according to Harshana Rukshan, Chairman of the All Ceylon Canteen Operators’ Association.

Rukshan said that the price of a single coconut has surged to as high as Rs. 200 in some areas, contributing to significant challenges for food vendors. As a result, canteen operators nationwide are grappling with the decision to stop serving these traditional favourites.

Rukshan revealed that the price hike in coconuts, along with increased costs of rice, eggs, salt, and other essentials, has forced a 30% rise in food prices at canteens. Meanwhile, the cost of chicken has also jumped from Rs. 1,200 to Rs. 1,280 per kilo.

The impact of these price increases is not limited to canteens. Rukshan noted that the soaring coconut prices are also affecting small-scale food businesses, including hopper makers and those preparing lunch parcels for sale.