Business chambers welcome Special Consumer Court

Move to protect consumer rights:

By Lalin Fernandopulle

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The business chambers while welcoming the government’s move to set up the Special Consumer Court to safeguard the rights of consumers’ said that the court should act independently and impartially.

Chairman, Joint Business Forum, Nimal Perera said the Forum welcomes the move to protect consumer rights but the working mechanism need to be looked into.

“The Forum will study the procedure for prosecution and educate the member organisations.

An independent institution to look into the grievances of consumers is important when exploitation by traders is on the rise,” he said.

Chairman, Ceylon National Chamber of Industries A.K. Ratnarajah said the welfare of consumers should be ensured while the court should build a good rapport with the business community and pronounce judgements without fear or favour.

President, Sri Lanka Chamber of Small Industries Aloy Jayawardene said when the Consumer Affairs Authority looks into the grievances of consumers and ensure their welfare why should there be another institution? he said.

Passing on the responsibility is not a solution but an indication of poor management”, he said. In a free market economy a price control mechanism is essential. Traders who arbitrarily increase prices of essential items need to be prosecuted. The Special Consumer Court was set up to expedite the process and prosecute businessmen who violate the law.

President, National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka D. Essuwaran said the chamber will make known its stance on the court after a study has been done.

Secretary Ministry of Trade and Consumer Affairs Dr. R.M.K. Ratnayake said the Consumer Court was set up to speed up litigation and address grievances of consumers without delay.