News
Cost of Sinhala-Tamil New Year ‘Kevili Table’ up 7% in 2026 – DCS Data
The cost of preparing a traditional kevili table for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year has risen by 7 per cent in 2026 compared to 2025, according to price data compiled by the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS).
The estimate is based on Open Market Weekly Average Retail Prices in the Colombo District for April 2019 (Week 1), March 2025 (Week 3), and March 2026 (Week 4).
A kevili table, a customary feature of New Year celebrations in Sri Lanka, consists of an assortment of traditional sweetmeats symbolising prosperity and goodwill.
According to the data, prices increased for six of the eight items included in the basket in 2026. The sharpest rise was recorded in aluwa, which surged by 25.8 per cent, driven by a 43.6 per cent increase in cashew prices.
In contrast, the steepest decline was seen in milk rice, which fell by 14.1 per cent, largely due to a 17.5 per cent drop in coconut prices from the elevated levels recorded in 2025.
Overall, the increase in the cost of the 2026 kevili table was mainly driven by higher prices of coconut oil and rice flour, which together accounted for nearly 80 per cent of the total rise.Compared with the pre-crisis year of 2019, the cost of a kevili table has more than doubled, increasing by around 2.5 times in 2026, the data showed.
INS Sindhukesari, a submarine serving in the Indian Navy, arrived at the port of Colombo on 03 May 26 to undertake Operational Turnarounds.
The visiting submarine was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in precision with naval traditions.
Throughout its stay in the island, the submarine’s crew is scheduled to participate in a variety of programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, including visits to several tourist attractions in Sri Lanka.
Mikhail Murashko, Minister of Health of the Russian Federation, officially visited the Russian House in Colombo to attend the Sri Lanka–Russia Medical Forum, where members of the Sri Lanka Russia Business Council and graduates from the Association of Sri Lankan Graduates from Socialist countries (ASLGSC) attended.
This historic gathering was graced by rectors and representatives from several world-class Russian medical institutions, including Kursk State Medical University, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, and Tver State Medical University, among others.
The forum commenced with an address by Minister Murashko, during which Russian medical graduates in attendance raised pertinent questions regarding medical and pharmaceutical sector opportunities in Sri Lanka.
Levan Dzhagaryan, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, together with Madam Maria L. Popova, Counsellor of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Sri Lanka & the Maldives and Director of the Russian House in Colombo, graced the occasion. Both officials expressed strong support for continued collaboration and future initiatives between the two nations.
The official appointment letters for the members of the newly established “Cricket Transformation Committee” (CTC) were handed over on Monday (04) by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage.
The following members received their letters of appointment at the Ministry premises:
Sidath Wettimuny
Thushira Radella
Prakash Schaffter
Ms. Avanthi Colombage
The Ministry also noted that veteran cricketers Roshan Mahanama and Kumar Sangakkara, who are key members of the committee, are currently overseas. Their official appointments will be formalised immediately upon their arrival in Sri Lanka.
The Cricket Transformation Committee has been mandated to oversee the administration and drive structural reforms within Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in accordance with the powers vested in the Minister under the Sports Act No. 25 of 1973.
INS Sindhukesari arrives in Colombo
Minister of Health of the Russian Federation attends the Sri Lanka–Russia Medical Forum
Members of Sri Lanka Cricket Transformation Committee Officially Appointed
Three prison guards arrested following the death of an inmate
Showers or thundershowers will occur at most places of the island after 1.00 pm.
CJ urged to inquire into AKD’s remarks on May 25 court verdict
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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