Business chambers welcome Special Consumer Court
Move to protect consumer rights:
By Lalin Fernandopulle
[email protected]
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. |