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I wish to extend my sincere thanks to the management of the Consumer Affairs Authority for bringing about an amicable settlement over a non-effective mosquito eliminating machine I bought from a very reputed firm in Colombo.

Responding to a repeated advertisement in the media about a mosquito eliminating machine by this well-known firm I decided to give it a try with the intension of overcoming the mosquito menace. The machine was priced at Rs. 3950.00.

After using it for about a week I realised it was not at all effective for mosquitoes, except for other flying insects. When I complained about this to the Manager of the shop, he readily agreed to refund the money in full. But when I took it there to be returned, another person presenting himself as a director refused any refund, after showing me a few insects that were caught up inside claiming them to be mosquitoes.

He sounded rather arrogant and even went on to say they were dengue mosquitoes as if he is an expert on insects. When I realised it was futile arguing with him, I decided to go to the nearby police station and then lodged a complaint purely for record purposes.

My next step was to refer this matter to the Consumer Affairs Authority seeking redress. In my complaint I suggested inquiring as to the country of origin of this item, and also to obtain a confirmation from the manufacturer whether it is really meant for mosquito elimination.

A closer look into the instruction leaflet that accompanied the machine revealed it was only a photocopied sheet of paper apparently prepared by the shopkeeper to suit his purpose, after getting rid of the actual instructions booklet supplied by the manufacturer.

A few days later I got a reply from the Consumer Affairs Authority that they have decided to hold an inquiry and asked me to be present. When it was taken up for hearing, the accused party first tried to maintain that this device was very effective on mosquitoes. But later he had to give in because the inquiring officer knew mine was a genuine case, and she had received similar complaints from a few other consumers, as well.

Therefore he was asked to refund my money in full. When he showed reluctance, stating that a board approval has to be obtained, the inquiring officer said Rs. 3950.00 is not such a large amount of money to get a board approval, and putting it off for another day would be a waste of time. Then he contacted the shop over his mobile phone, and after some talk, agreed to refund my money in full.

Finally, everything ended up like a fairy tale. The accused party not only agreed to refund the money in full, but even shook hands leaving his business card on my palm and asking me to shop there again whenever I wanted to buy anything. Now they have stopped advertising about this product. I cannot reveal the name of this shop for obvious reasons.

My intention was not only to get the money back but also to warn unsuspecting consumers who may fall victim to such misleading advertisements. I also want to emphasise the fact that the Consumer Affairs Authority is doing a very commendable job in protecting unsuspecting consumer against unscrupulous traders.

- J. Perera

www.ceylincoproperties.com

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