Gunasekara highlighted that the 18% Value Added Tax (VAT) and 2.5% Social Security Levy have led to a significant increase in egg prices.

“Currently, supermarket eggs are priced between Rs. 64-68, while loose eggs are sold at Rs. 55 each. A 10-pack egg carton now ranges from Rs. 643-667, depending on size,” he said

His plea comes at a time when President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed agricultural authorities to develop a program aimed at providing chicken and eggs at more affordable prices to the public.

Gunasekara also advised taking necessary steps to import parent stocks, enabling local breeders to produce more chicks through breeder farms.