April 05, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s consumer watchdog has reported a surge in enforcement activity at the start of the year, with thousands of inspections carried out to curb unfair trade practices and protect shoppers.
The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) confirmed that nearly Rs. 49.9 million in penalties had been imposed following over 5,000 raids conducted during January and February 2026. The intensified drive comes as authorities seek to stabilise prices of essential goods and clamp down on profiteering.
According to Acting Director General Samantha Karunaratne, a notable number of violations were linked to the sale of rice, including incidents of stockpiling and traders charging above the government-mandated ceiling prices. Several traders are now facing legal proceedings as a result.
To strengthen monitoring efforts, around 450 officers have been deployed across the country, with inspections taking place in both urban markets and rural торгов hubs. Officials say the expanded presence is intended to deter malpractice and reassure consumers amid ongoing economic pressures.
The authority has also emphasised that price movements of essential commodities are being closely tracked on a daily basis, with further action expected against repeat offenders.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected irregularities, including overpricing and hoarding, through the dedicated hotline 1977, as part of a broader effort to ensure fair access to basic goods.