•  “We are compelled to increase the price of face masks as the prices of raw materials have gone up due to the high exchange rate”

 By Sheain Fernandopulle   

In the wake of the rupee depreciation, the prices of all types of face masks have been increased by 30%, local manufacturers said.   

President of Mask Manufacturers’ Association of Sri Lanka Vidura Algama said the price increase came into effect from yesterday (21).   

“At the inception of the COVID-19 pandemic, the price of a face mask stood at Rs. 100. However, we were able to bring it down by 80% creating more job opportunities for thousands of entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka,” he said.   
“Given the existing situation, we are compelled to increase the price of face masks as the prices of raw materials have gone up due to the high exchange rate ,” Algama added. When asked whether there is a controlled price for face masks, he said the government has not had such discussions with them so far.   

The retail price of a face mask ranges from Rs. 15 to Rs. 20 and the new price of a face mask would be Rs. 26 from yesterday.