Costs hit New Year celebrations in Sri Lanka

Sri Lankans usually celebrate the coming of their new year with a host of cultural rituals and special feasts.

But due to the rising cost of living the festivities are a little subdued this year.

The depreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee, and inflation which rose sharply following a massive increase in fuel costs, have hit people’s pockets.

The hard times may push some to use up their savings or to get into debt in order to buy things for the holiday.

Al Jazeera’s Minelle Fernandez reports from Colombo.