The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has taken stern legal action against several retail outlets found to be selling rice and bottled drinking water at inflated prices.

On 24 April, the CAA conducted emergency raids across multiple locations, including Kandy, Trincomalee, Galle, Tangalle, Girandurukotte, and Haputale. 

During these operations, authorities uncovered that Keeri Samba and other rice varieties were being sold at prices exceeding the established limits. Consequently, legal proceedings were initiated against the owners of these businesses.  

Following court hearings, fines were imposed on multiple traders: Rs. 100,000 each for a trader in Trincomalee, two in Galle, two in Tangalle, and one in Girandurukotte. The owner of a retail outlet in Haputale faced a significantly higher fine of Rs. 500,000.  

In addition, the CAA carried out surprise inspections on two businesses selling bottled drinking water above the maximum retail price. 

After legal proceedings, the court imposed a fine of Rs. 1,000,000 on a businessman in Haputale and Rs. 100,000 on a trader in Anuradhapura for overpricing bottled water.  

The CAA reiterated its commitment to enforcing fair pricing and protecting consumers from unfair business practices across the country.