The cost of preparing a traditional “kevili” table for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year has increased by 7% in 2026 compared to 2025, according to an analysis published by Verité Research.

The study, released on its PublicFinance.lk platform, found that the cost has risen 2.5 times compared to 2019, before the pandemic and economic crisis.

Prices increased for six out of the eight items typically included in a kevili table, with nearly 80% of the 2026 rise driven by higher coconut oil and rice flour prices.

A traditional kevili table includes items such as milk rice, kokis, bananas, aluwa, kevum, dodol, mun kevum and butter cake, symbolising prosperity and celebration during the New Year.

The analysis was based on ingredient quantities derived from recipes by the “Appe Amma” YouTube channel for a household of four to five persons, excluding utilities and spices.

Price data was sourced from the Department of Census and Statistics, using open market weekly average retail prices in the Colombo District for April 2019, March 2025 and March 2026. (Newswire)

The post New Year kevili table cost up 7% in 2026 appeared first on Newswire.