Two branches of a prominent supermarket chain have been fined a combined Rs. 400,000 by the Panadura Magistrate’s Court in separate cases relating to selling goods above the marked price, altering original price markings, and offering expired beverages for sale.
The cases were filed by officers of the Consumer Affairs Authority’s (CAA) Kalutara District Office against outlets in Bandaragama and Matugama, both operated under J.K. Marketing Services (Pvt) Ltd.
At the Bandaragama branch, an inspection on 31 August 2026 revealed that a pack of ten eggs, marked with a Maximum Retail Price of Rs. 590, had been sold for Rs. 615.
Expired soft drinks were also found offered for sale. When the case was taken up on 3 September 2026, the company pleaded guilty and was fined Rs. 200,000.
At the Matugama branch, an inspection on 21 August 2026 found five 100g packs of Sweet Potato Chips offered for sale after the original price markings had been erased and altered.
The case, relating to violations of Direction No. 85 and Section 10(4) of the Act, was heard on 14 September 2026, where the company again pleaded guilty and was fined Rs. 200,000.
With fines of Rs. 200,000 imposed in each case, the combined penalty amounts to Rs. 400,000.
The Consumer Affairs Authority has urged consumers to remain vigilant when shopping, checking whether the marked price matches the billed price, ensuring that original prices have not been altered, and verifying expiry dates on food and beverages.
Reports of such irregularities can be made via the CAA’s 1977 hotline. (Newswire/ AI Image)