Owners of two tourist hotels in Matara have been convicted for selling bottled drinking water above the regulated maximum retail price (MRP), with the Matara Magistrate’s Court imposing a total fine of Rs  one million. The verdict was delivered after the Consumer Affairs Authority filed charges before the Court on Wednesday (13).

Investigations conducted by the Matara District office of the Authority, following public complaints, found that the two hotels had been selling bottled water at prices exceeding the legally permitted MRP. It was revealed that a one-litre bottle of drinking water, which carries a MRP of Rs  100, was sold for Rs  450, while a 500 millilitres bottle priced at Rs  70 was sold for Rs  300.

The Court imposed a fine of Rs  500,000 on each hotel.

The Authority urged consumers to check the MRP, expiry date, and receipt when purchasing goods, and reminded the public that complaints regarding overcharging can be submitted with evidence via the hotline 1977.