By. Chaturanga Samarawickrama

The price of a lunch packet and a cup of plain tea will be increased with effect from today(23) in the wake of the increasing prices of vegetables and related essentials, All Island Canteen Owners Association (AICOA) Head Asela Sampath said yesterday.

He told the Daily Mirror that the decision was taken to protect the canteen owners, hotel industry and consumers as the price of essential goods has sharply increased.

Accordingly, the prices starting from vegetable rice up to fried rice will be increased by Rs.20.  “A vegetable lunch packet will be Rs.160, a fish lunch packet will be Rs.200, and a chicken lunch packet will be sold at a maximum of Rs.250 due to the increase in prices of chicken.