Flying squads to nab errant traders

by Ananda Kannangara

The Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) has set up flying squads to crackdown on errant private traders who sell essential commodity items at exorbitant prices.

The decision was taken by the CPA following numerous complaints by the public over the selling of essential consumer items by certain private traders above the usual prices.

Meanwhile, Trade, Marketing Development, Co-operative and Consumer Services Minister Bandula Gunewardene reassured that the price reduction on essential consumer items will be continued even after the festive season.

In an interview with the Sunday Observer, Minister Gunewardene denied rumours being spread by certain elements over the current price reduction and gave a firm assurance that relief measures will not be curtailed. "Consumers now have good experience about the actual prices of essential commodity items and they cannot be cheated by traders."

Asked if traders sell essential food items at arbitrary prices, the Minister said that such a situation would lead to the consumers to isolate them and visit Lak Sathosa outlets, budget shops and Co-operative shops.

Minister Gunewardene also said that ample food stocks are available in the country and called upon consumers to keep a close tab on traders who create artificial shortages of these items with the intention of selling them at high prices.

A senior Ministry official said special raids were being conducted during the New Year season and the CPA has also set up a 24-hour hotline 0112321696 to entertain customer complaints.