The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has launched a sweeping island‑wide crackdown on irregularities in the sale of Atapirikara and Pirikara items, conducting a total of 127 raids in 2026, including 92 successful raids during a special operation on August 10.
According to the CAA, the raids targeted establishments engaged in the sale of Atapirikara and related Pirikara items, with the objective of protecting consumer rights and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. From January to July, 35 raids had already been carried out, bringing the cumulative total to 127 by August.
During the August 10 operation, inspections were conducted under Direction No. 55 of Gazette Extraordinary No. 1918/20 (11.06.2015) to verify whether traders had properly indicated required information on goods and packaging, and whether bills, invoices, and other documents were maintained.
The majority of violations detected were linked to this directive, with traders failing to provide mandatory information on Atapirikara, single‑layer robes, Adanakada, belts, bowls, and other Pirikara items.
In total, 436 units of Atapirikara and Pirikara items associated with legal violations were seized by CAA officers. Significantly, inspections went beyond external packaging, with randomly selected Atapirikara packages opened for physical checks.
These revealed serious irregularities, including single‑layer robes substituted for double‑layer robes, incomplete sets missing required components, variations in contents based on price, aluminium bowls, dented bowls, and rusted razors.
The CAA stressed that such irregularities cannot easily be identified by consumers through packaging alone. It advised buyers, particularly those purchasing complete Atapirikara sets for religious purposes, to carefully examine the items inside.
Legal proceedings are being initiated in relevant Magistrate’s Courts against establishments found in violation.
The CAA emphasized that traders are responsible for ensuring proper labeling, maintaining the condition of goods, and complying with all applicable legal requirements. Random inspections and special raids will continue across the island.
Consumers with information on violations are urged to contact the CAA consumer hotline 1977. (Newswire)