December 08, Colombo (LNW): The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has scheduled an intensive round of inspections today (08) at rice mills located in the Polonnaruwa region.
The inspections aim to regulate the rice industry and ensure compliance with the newly established price controls.
A spokesperson for the CAA confirmed that officials would be gathering detailed reports on the daily rice production figures, current stock levels, and the quantities of rice being supplied to the market.
These spot-checks are aimed at verifying whether rice mill owners are adhering to the guidelines set out by the government and ensuring that rice distribution is transparent and accurate.
The move follows recent directives from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who has instructed the CAA to extend these inspection efforts to all rice mills nationwide.
The spot-check activity will collect essential data regarding rice production, stock, and distribution, with the goal of curbing any potential price manipulations or shortages in the market.
The President has taken steps to address concerns over the cost of rice, which has been a point of contention among consumers. Following a productive discussion with rice traders yesterday (07), the President announced the introduction of new maximum retail and wholesale price limits for various rice varieties.
The move is aimed at stabilising rice prices and ensuring affordability for consumers during the festive season.
To further enforce these price controls, the President also directed that CAA officers would be stationed at rice mills starting today, tasked with closely monitoring operations and ensuring strict adherence to the newly set price caps.
Any mill owners failing to comply or found in violation of the regulations will face legal consequences as part of the government’s commitment to protecting consumers from unfair pricing practices.
