CAA to build healthy business culture

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) will promote and act as a catalyst to build a new business culture for the welfare of the society.

Chairman CAA, Sarath Wijesinghe said the primary aim of the CAA is to build a healthy business environment where consumers, manufacturers and traders could enjoy a fair deal.

He was speaking at an open forum on 'Consumer Protection, Healthy Competition, Cost of Living and Modern Trade' organised by the CAA and Cargills Ceylon Ltd.

The supermarket industry with the CAA held an open forum for the first time to formulate strategies that would meet the aspirations of consumers, traders and manufacturers to create a better business culture.

Supermarkets in the country should make profits in a reasonable manner without exploiting the consumer.

The welfare of the consumer should be the priority of all supermarkets, Wijesinghe said.

He said there were several complaints from consumers who are exploited and mislead by errant traders. The CAA will take every step to entertain any complaints and criticism to ensure the welfare of consumers.

Consumers feel that the CAA is bound to do everything to ensure their welfare. What consumers should understand is that the CAA is not an organisation that can do wonders but has to function within certain parameters.

The CAA has the authority to control prices of only five essential items. It cannot control the prices of all items since the Ministry of Commerce and Consumer Affairs encourages healthy competition in an open market economy.

The CAA will ensure that the quality and standard of products are maintained, that price tags are fixed and authentic expiry dates are marked on items.

Manufacturers and traders trying to tamper with the quality or prices of goods will be taken to task, Wijesinghe said.

Managing Director Cargills, Ranjith Page said in the 1970's people thought that supermarkets were catering only to the top end consumers or the affluent society of Colombo 3, 5 and 7.

Today supermarkets serve nearly 10 percent of Sri Lankan households contributing around 12 percent of the total retail trade compared to India and Bangladesh which is less than five percent.

The supermarket industry makes a unique contribution to national development and the economy by providing employment to youth in rural areas. Over 100,000 youth from 16 districts and six provinces are supported by direct employment and development of cottage industries.

The supermarket industry has provided relief to the burning issues of farmers in finding an assured market for their produce at a reasonable price.

The industry ensures that the money is not drained out of the country. By implementing efficient transportation techniques supermarkets have been able to minimise post harvest wastage and loss, Page said.

(LF)