'Consumer Court' to provide redress

by Ananda Kannangara

The Trade Ministry last week decided to set up a `Consumer Court' for the first time in Sri Lanka to protect consumers from errant traders. The main objective of setting up a Court of this nature is to help consumers to seek relief.

Trade, Marketing Development, Co-operatives and Consumer Affairs Minister Bandula Gunawardane told the `Sunday Observer' that consumers could seek justice from the `Court' for whatever complaints they make against traders.

He said although a Consumer Protection Authority currently functions, the `Consumer Court', which is to be set up in Colombo next year will help consumers to solve their problems.

The Minister also said that there are a large number of complaints from consumers against traders and owners of business enterprises in regard to the quality of the items, purchased by them or the unfair amounts charged for goods and selling fake and adulterated food items. It is reported that many traders do not exhibit price lists in their shops.