CAA earns Rs 1 b from raids
Irangika RANGE
The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) had earned Rs 1 billion from
fines following islandwide raids conducted in 2011, Co-operatives and
Internal Trade Minister Johnston Fernando said.
The CAA had earned the revenue by raiding 35,000 business
establishments that had violated rules last year.
The minister made these remarks while visiting the Nugegoda Trade
Complex to make traders and consumers aware of consumer rules and
regulations to mark World Consumer Day yesterday.
He said that consumers should protect their rights and inform the
authorities about unfair trade practices.
"The government is doing its best to impose standards and regulations
to protect consumers' rights," Fernando said.
"Raids will be carried out to maintain discipline among traders. We
are happy that a disciplined trade culture has been created among
traders after this government came power in 2005," the minister said.
Traders are willing to follow consumer protection rules and
regulations. Displaying price lists of goods at trade stalls hase
increased, he said.
"A number of programmes have been launched to protect farmers,
traders and consumers. We have initiated a number of programmes for the
benefit of these three groups," the minister said.
Fernando said the UNP and the JVP should work with the government
instead of shedding crocodile tears on behalf of farmers and consumers. |