Sri Lanka, March 11 -- Food and beverage prices will increase across the country starting at midnight today, March 11, according to the All Island Canteen and Restaurant Owners' Association. Under the new pricing structure, a cup of plain tea increases by Rs. 5, while milk tea and short eats both see a Rs. 10 rise. Additionally, the price of rice packets and kottu increases by Rs. 25. These adjustments follow a sharp rise in operational costs for the hospitality sector.

The price hike for food primarily stems from the recent increase in Litro domestic gas prices, which took effect at midnight yesterday, March 10. A standard 12.5kg cylinder rose by Rs. 300 to a new price of Rs. 3,990, while the 5kg cylinder increased by Rs. 120 to Rs. 1,...