Sri Lankans eating less rice now: Survey

Sri Lankans have cut their food intake including

the eating of rice, their staple food,

despite an increase in their incomes and expenditure, the report on a preliminary survey by the Department of Census and Statistics on household incomes and expenditure had revealed.

According to the report the monthly consumption of rice by a Sri Lankan had reduced to 8.7 kgs in 2012/2013 compared to nine kgs in 2006/2007. The monthly consumption of wheat flour had reduced to 559 grammes compared to 687 grammes in 2006/2007. In addition the consumption of bread had also reduced to 2.1 loaves a month from 2.8 loaves.

The report said the household income had increased to Rs.27,836 in 2012/2013 from Rs.26,414 in 2006/2007. This is a 5.4 per cent increase according to the survey. The expenditure during this period had increased to Rs.24,613 compared to Rs.22,952 in 2006/2007. This amounts to an expenditure increase of 8.5 per cent

The survey had revealed that tax from the special commodity levy had increased by 35 per cent in the 2012/2013. This had resulted from an increase in taxes for dried fish, garlic, chillies, dhal, canned fish and sugar. These have increased up to Rs.75, Rs.40, Rs.22, Rs.100, and Rs.20 re-

The household income had increased to Rs.27,836 in 2012/2013 from Rs.26,414 in 2006/2007. This is a 5.4 per cent increase according to the survey. The expenditure during this period had increased to Rs.24,613 compared to Rs.22,952 in 2006/2007

spectively.

United National Party (UNP) parliamentarian and well-known economist Harsha De Silva making an indepth analysis of the survey report at a news conference yesterday said the living standards of the people had declined. “Where is the vast economic development which the government is boasting about,” he asked.