In a strong move to protect consumers from unfair pricing, the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has launched legal action against several retail outlets accused of selling rice and bottled drinking water above the approved prices.
The action follows a series of emergency raids carried out on April 24 across several areas, including Kandy, Trincomalee, Galle, Tangalle, Girandurukotte, and Haputale. During these inspections, officials discovered that Keeri Samba and other rice varieties were being sold at prices exceeding the legally prescribed limits.
As a result, the CAA filed cases against the business owners involved. After court proceedings, fines of Rs. 100,000 each were imposed on one trader in Trincomalee, two traders in Galle, two in Tangalle, and one in Girandurukotte. Meanwhile, the owner of a retail outlet in Haputale received a significantly higher fine of Rs. 500,000.
In a separate enforcement operation, the Authority also carried out surprise inspections targeting businesses selling bottled drinking water above the maximum retail price. Following the legal proceedings, the court ordered a Rs. 1,000,000 fine against a businessman in Haputale, while a trader in Anuradhapura was fined Rs. 100,000.
The latest crackdown highlights the CAA’s continued efforts to ensure fair pricing and protect the public from exploitative trade practices, especially involving essential goods.
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