Colombo (News 1st): The Central Bank said headline inflation in August this year increased to 3.4%, which is an increase of 1.2% compared to July this year. Within the food category, the prices of banana, rice, and fresh fish recorded increases.

Within the non-food category, the prices of the items in transport; alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics, and clothing and footwear sub-categories increased during the month. Speaking exclusively to News 1st, a former officer of the Central Bank said the National Consumer Price Index (or NCPI) was formulated based on a substantial study of the economy.

Several experts stress that the change in inflation rates is not reflected accurately through an index.

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