CAA to prosecute 428 traders who fleeced consumers

Irangika Range

COLOMBO: The Consumer Affairs Authority will take legal action against 428 traders who fleeced consumers during the festive season following raids carried out on their businesses.

The CAA had received 1800 complaints where traders had sold goods above the prices stipulated by the Government during the Avurudhu period.

Trade, Marketing Development, Co-operative and Consumer Services Minister Bandula Gunawardana told the Daily News that raids were being continued throughout the island to nab errant traders who jacked up prices in defiance of the Government directive.

These raids have targeted traders selling commodities at high prices, those not displaying price tags and selling items that have passed their expiry dates and traders who dupe consumers with dubious marketing tactics.

The CAA has conducted raids in Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Ratnapura, Kegalle, Galle, Kandy, Moneragala, Matale, Badulla and Hambantota.

Minister Gunawardena said this was the first time, the Authority conducted as high as 428 raids and commended the public for cooperating with the authorities to nab errant traders. The Government has gazetted 14 essential commodities such as white sugar, dried chilies, big onions, red onions, dhall, sprats, gram, green grams, canned fish, chicken, gas, milk powder, cement and wheat flour.

Those who sell these items at higher prises are liable to be prosecuted. The CAA is also conducting awareness programmes for traders on the current regulations and on the penalties while educating consumers by setting up Consumers Associations in each village.