June 08, Colombo (LNW): A pharmacy proprietor in the Kawdana area of Dehiwala has been convicted for offering expired medicinal products for sale, following a raid carried out earlier this year.
The Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court, upon hearing the case on 30 May, imposed a six-month prison sentence—suspended for a period of 10 years—and ordered the individual to pay a fine of Rs. 10,000.
The matter came to light during an inspection conducted by the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) on 7 February 2025, as part of an ongoing national initiative to crack down on unsafe consumer goods, particularly in the health sector.
The discovery of the expired pharmaceuticals triggered a formal investigation, leading to legal action against the businessman.
The accused admitted to the charge in court, prompting swift sentencing. The suspended nature of the custodial sentence indicates that whilst the offence was deemed serious, the court took into account factors such as the plea and possibly the absence of prior convictions.
Authorities have reiterated the dangers associated with the sale of expired medicines, warning that such practices not only compromise public health but also erode trust in essential healthcare services. The CAA has confirmed that inspections will continue across the country, with a particular focus on pharmacies and medical outlets.
Members of the public are being encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to medicine sales to the relevant authorities.
