Enforcing consumer protection act:

Officers to streamline search operations

Dharma SRI ABEYRATNE

On the advice of Co-operative and Internal Trade Minister Johnston Fernando, District Investigative Officers are being recruited to streamline the ongoing search operations conducted by the Special Investigation Unit of the Co-operative and Internal Trade Ministry.

The Special Investigating Unit was established to inquire into errant traders by Consumer Protection Authority Chairman Rumi Marshuk to protect consumers.

The Special Investigation Unit has been conducting countrywide search operations to nab errant traders who violate the Consumer Protection Act.

However it has been noticed that search operations are badly affected by the scarcity of officials. The recruiting process will be completed by the end of this month.

The officers will be deployed soon on countrywide search operations.

In line with ongoing search operations, the Co-operative and Internal Trade Ministry will educate consumers, traders and Government officials regarding laws, regulations and rights enacted in the Consumer Protection Act.

In accordance with the Consumer Protection Act in 2003, there are certain regulations to be followed by the traders while certain rights for the consumers.

"For instance, under the 09th section of the Consumer Protection Act, a price list should be displayed in every boutique or sales outlet for consumers' reference, Minister Fernando said.