Authorities have renewed warnings over the sale of goods above maximum retail prices at long-distance bus stop hotels, following a recent court case against a trader in Ratnapura.
The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) said complaints are frequently received about passengers being overcharged for basic items such as drinking water and food at rest stops used by long-distance buses. In a recent case, a trader at a hotel in the Parakaduwa area was fined Rs. 100,000 after pleading guilty to selling a 500 ml bottle of drinking water above the maximum retail price.
The CAA said it will continue inspections and legal action against businesses that violate price regulations, urging consumers to report overpricing and demand receipts.
Officials warned that traders who exploit passengers could face fines and further legal consequences as enforcement is stepped up