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| Sunday, 19 January 2003 |
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More muscle for Consumer Protection Act by Don Asoka Wijewardena The Consumer Protection Act which was passed by parliament with necessary amendments will be gazetted shortly.In accordance with the new provisions, Consumer Affairs Authority with more powers will penalise errant traders and manufacturers to protect consumers from unscrupulous traders.The new Act will come into operation with effect from March 2003. A large number of consumers have applauded the timely move by Minister of Trade and Consumer Affairs,Ravi Karunanayake to set up an authority, as most of traders and manufacturers have their own ways. Consumer Affairs Ministry sources told the "Sunday Observer" that with effect from March 2003 each and every trader or manufacturer will be required to inform and get the approval before four weeks from the Authority for any possible price increase of products. A senior official of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs said that the previous Act did not have enough provisions to take legal action against unfair traders and the major components of the amended Act will drastically deal with the culprits,including imprisonment and confiscation of property. "Sunday Observer" learns that the new Act will also have a prominent place to resolve grievances of consumer bodies and entertain complaints of unfair trading between undue competitors. The Ministry is keen to launch a major overhaul in all spheres of trade to eliminate fraudulent trade practices,ensuring fair trading to protect consumer. |
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