July 07, Colombo (LNW): The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has sealed a warehouse in Peliyagoda following the discovery of more than 4.2 million kilogrammes of expired sugar that was allegedly being repackaged and sold to consumers at reduced prices.
The operation was carried out on Monday (06) during a joint raid conducted by the CAA and the Walana Central Anti-Corruption Task Force. The investigation targeted a major sugar importer operating from the Pethiyagoda area in Kelaniya.
During the inspection, officials found a large quantity of sugar imported several years ago stored together with stocks that had not exceeded their shelf life. Investigators suspect that the expired sugar had been repackaged before being distributed to the market at prices below the prevailing retail rate.
Authorities said approximately 85,000 sacks of sugar, each weighing 50 kilogrammes, were found inside the warehouse at the time of the raid, highlighting the scale of the alleged operation.
The individuals connected to the case have since been granted bail, while the warehouse has been placed under seal as investigations continue.