The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has taken legal action against a company in Seethawaka, Avissawella, and its Director, for producing and distributing bottled drinking water using a fake Sri Lanka Standards (SLS) mark and a false brand name.
The case was heard before the Avissawella Magistrate’s Court after CAA officers raided the company on August 21, 2026, seizing more than 8,500 bottles of water labelled “Aquachill” instead of the Ministry of Health‑approved name “Lanka Premium.”
The seized stock included bottles in 19‑litre, 5‑litre, 1500 ml, 1000 ml, and 500 ml sizes.
When the case was called on September 04, the defendants pleaded guilty. The Court imposed a fine of Rs. 40,000 on the company and its Director, and ordered the destruction of the entire stock produced before Court as case productions. The bottles were subsequently destroyed within the Court premises.
The CAA has urged consumers to carefully check the correct brand name, date of manufacture, expiry date, and official SLS certification mark when purchasing bottled drinking water.
Consumers with information on fraudulent or unlawful trading practices are advised to report them to the CAA via the hotline 1977. (Newswire)