CAA to come down hard on errant traders

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has launched a program to nab errant traders who fail to pass on the benefits of the Budget to speed up consumer relief announced during the recent interim Budget.

"I have started a special flying squad operating not only during the day but even at night. We warn errant traders and supermarkets that court action against violations will be prompt and mandatory," said Chairman, Consumer Affairs Authority, Rumy Marzook. CAA is the apex government organisation mandated to protectconsumers' interests and ensure fair market competition in Sri Lanka. A twitter service is being worked out so that we could reach the consumers online to promptly inform the people regarding the prices of consumer goods," Marzook said.

The interim Budget removed taxes on 13 essential goods - sugar (Rs. 10),milk powder 400g packet (Rs 61), Sustagen milk powder (Rs 100), wheat flour (12.50 per kilo), bread (Rs. 6), green gram (Rs. 40 per kilo), sprats (Rs. 15), canned fish (Rs. 60), corriander (Rs. 60 per kilo), black gram (Rs.100 per kilo), Maldive fish (Rs. 200),Turmeric (Rs. 100 per kilo), Chilli powder (Rs. 25) and a 12.5 kg gas cylinder reduced by Rs 300.