Island-Wide Consumer Raids Net Nearly Rs. 50 Million in Fines for Trade Violations

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has intensified its island-wide operations, conducting 5,172 market raids within the first two months of 2026, resulting in fines totaling nearly Rs. 49.9 million. Approximately 450 officers have been deployed to oversee essential commodity prices and prevent consumer exploitation, especially during the Avurudu festive season. Recent inspections in areas such as the Kegalle District (Thalduwa and Dehiowita) and the Dambulla Economic Centre uncovered various offenses. These included selling rice above the Maximum Retail Price (MRP), hoarding essential goods while falsely claiming unavailability, selling expired products, and failing to display prices. The CAA reported 359 offenses related to rice alone, with legal action expected against traders found in violation of consumer protection laws.