CAA comes down hard on errant traders

by Ananda Kannangara

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) conducted over 1,000 raids countrywide during the past two months to nab errant traders who exploited consumers by selling spoilt commodity items including onions, potatoes and vegetables.

The CAA conducted the biggest raid in Pettah last month and nabbed traders who sold onions, potatoes, sugar, vegetables and milk powder unsuitable for human consumption. The CAA has decided to deploy its flying squads to conduct random checks from this month in Pettah, Manning Market, Borella, Bambalapitiya, Narahenpita and in Nugegoda, Maharagama, Kiribathgoda, Wattala and Moratuwa. CAA, Investigating Officer Janaka Tillakawardana said that action will be taken against temporary stall owners and vendors who sell food and other items above the controlled price. Traders who violate Consumer Welfare Regulations will be fined Rs. 1,000 - Rs. 100,000 depending on the quantity of items taken into custody by the CAA.

In addition to selling spoilt commodity items, raids are also being conducted to nab traders who sell commodities at exorbitant prices and not displaying the price list, using faulty scales and selling commodities after the expiry date.

He cautioned consumers that following the rapid increase in the demand for food items during the festive season, unscrupulous traders could increase the prices of commodity items.

The CAA has paid serious attention on the sale of food and beverage items at exorbitant prices by certain vendors and stall owners at the Galle Face Green, and said that action will be taken in this regard for the benefit of those using the Green.

It is reported that over 2,000 people including children visit the Galle Face Green on week days and the number of visitors exceeds over 4,000 during weekends and on Poya days.