Consumer Authority Intensifies Market Raids Ahead of Festive Season

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has initiated a special program to safeguard consumers during the upcoming festive season, with market raids continuing even on weekends. CAA Chairman Hemantha Samarakoon stated that over 1,000 raids have been conducted since March 20, leading to legal action against offenders. Minister of Trade, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Wasantha Samarasinghe affirmed strict enforcement against traders hoarding goods or selling above controlled prices. So far this year, the CAA reports conducting over 5,000 market raids, with more than 170 traders facing legal proceedings for offenses such as hoarding rice and selling at inflated prices. The CAA has deployed 350 officers for continuous price monitoring and encourages consumers to report violations via hotline 1977.