•  Passengers urged to carry own food, drink 
• Cites continued sale of unhygienic, overpriced food

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has acknowledged that repeated efforts to track down and raid unsanitary and overpriced shops and restaurants located at stops along long-distance bus routes have failed to deter owners from continuing to sell unhygienic food at exorbitant prices.

While the CAA continues its enforcement operations at these locations, the public has been encouraged to prepare for long bus journeys by carrying their own food and water and refraining from purchasing from these establishments as a means of discouraging the practice.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, CAA Media Spokesperson Asela Bandara said numerous unhygienic hotels, restaurants, and shops frequented by long-distance buses had been raided, with legal action taken against them. However, he explained that these establishments are selected by bus operators for their own benefit, as they receive commissions when buses stop at the premises, making it difficult to eradicate the practice entirely.

“We have the provisions under the CAA Act to take legal action against these restaurants, but, despite this, the restaurants continue to engage in this practice,” he said.

With the situation proving difficult to control through CAA raids alone, long-distance bus commuters have been encouraged to prepare for their journeys with a water bottle and dry food as a way of discouraging the practice, while the CAA continues to carry out raids on unhygienic establishments.

Long-distance buses, both public and private, operating journeys of more than four hours typically stop at a restaurant for a 15-minute break, allowing commuters to purchase food or use sanitary facilities. However, these restaurants are known for selling food at inflated prices and serving unhygienic food, which commuters tend to purchase due to fatigue and convenience.