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The consumer protection act should be prepared in an open, transparent manner and must be understood by everybody. It should also be consistent with the constitution while being a rights-based document, Director Centre for Policy Alternatives Rohan Edirisinghe said recently.

Addressing a seminar on Consumer Protection organised by the Legal Aid Foundation of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC), he said Sri Lanka can draw on the experience of India to prepare the new act.

He said the new draft law on consumer protection deals mainly with the consumer protection authority rather than protecting the consumer. He said the focus of the bill should deal with the rights of the consumer rather than the institutions.

Edirisinghe said that the Indian legislation on consumer protection is about 15 years old, but covers all aspects of consumer protection including all goods and services. It has a special section on the consumer's "basic rights".

He was of the view that the freedom of information law and consumer protection should be complementary and that the bill should be reviewed in respect to devolution of power.

Immediate Past Chairman CCC Chandra Jayaratne said the Chamber has always upheld the rights of the consumer. However, he said, "we do not have consumerism in our country". Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen consumers and make them aware of the consumer protection laws. To strengthen consumers, it is necessary for them to have access to information and building of capabilities.

Jayaratne said the new act should have capability, enforceability and commitment as priorities. He said: "Let us develop consumer laws that are practicable and consistent with the developments around the globe.

Most of all, they should be implemented without political interference, but with political will; ensuring freedom of trade and choice while shaping the business culture of the country".

Chairman BASL Ajantha Athukorale said that the Association is changing direction and is looking at social problems and avenues to solve them. The seminar is one such step, he added.

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