The All Ceylon Bakery Owners' Association states that the prices of bakery products will have to be increased before the Sinhala New Year.

The association points out that the prices of bakery products, including sugar, margarine and palm oil, have risen sharply.

President of the All Ceylon Bakery Owners' Association N Jayawardena told the Hiru news team that although the government has been informed on several occasions in this regard there has been no proper solution has been given so far, and therefore the prices of bakery products will have to be increased. 

He further stated that no decision has been taken yet regarding the increase in the price of bread.

Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture Mahindananda Aluthgamage addressing a media briefing held in Colombo today stated that approval was given for the importation of rice at the ruling party parliamentary group meeting.

Meanwhile, the Food Safety Division of the Ministry of Health stated that they have instructed to re-export a consignment of unrefined coconut oil and palm oil that are unfit for human consumption.

However, participating in a media briefing held in Dambulla today, the General Convener of the All Ceylon Traditional Coconut Oil Producers Association Buddhika de Silva stated that the relevant coconut oil has reentered the market.