Scrapping of sugar price control heralds bitter for sweetmeat makers
The Government's move to remove the price control on sugar has triggered an increase in the price of sugar-based products, with the biggest impact being felt by those in the sweetmeat industry ahead of the upcoming National New Year.
The retail price started to show an increase by as much as Rs 17 a kilo in some shops following last week's move by the Finance Minister to lift the price ceiling on sugar.
Some of the wellknown traditional sweetmeat manufacturers from Padiliyatuduwa, Doowa junction in Kiribathgoda -an area known as Kevum Gama -- said they would find it difficult to sell their products and make a profit in the upcoming season.
A.I Rani, popular for her kavum, kokis and Athiressa, said already her customers were complaining that her prices were too high and with the hike in sugar price, she did not know how to sell her items at an affordable price.
She said the orders during this Avurudu season were much less than what she got last year by this time.
"Some of our regular customers have cancelled their orders. I believe this is due to the Government removing the controlled price on sugar and allowing vendors to decide the price," she said.
Kevum seller Dinusha Dushyanthi said they were selling their items at Rs. 14 or 15 a piece, but now they had no option but to sell their sweetmeats at Rs 20.
“Sugar is an essential ingredient in our products. If we use less of it, we won't get the exact taste. If we make the size smaller, our products won't be attractive," she said.
Pettah market sweet shop owner Sriyani said they try to make at least a five rupee profit from each item. But this time they won't be able to do so she said. She also said orders were not coming in a big way this avurudu season. They usually started getting orders from the beginning of March.
Sweet house manager M.R. I Mohamed said he too was facing hard times. Even the fizzy drinks had gone up in price, he complained.