The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has detected 98 suspected legal violations during special inspections targeting the sale of vehicle lubricants and grease across Sri Lanka.
According to the CAA, the inspections were conducted from October 27 to 30, covering businesses selling engine oil, gear oil, other automotive lubricants and grease.
Officials also seized several products as evidence for further investigations.
The suspected violations relate to Direction No. 88, issued under Extraordinary Gazette No. 2327/36 of April 12, 2023.
Under the regulations, businesses importing or manufacturing lubricants and grease must have a valid agreement with the Sri Lankan government. Products offered for sale must also display the relevant government agreement number, either printed on the packaging or on a permanent label.
The CAA said the regulations are intended to prevent unauthorised products from entering the market and help consumers identify legally authorised suppliers.
However, the authority clarified that displaying a government agreement number does not necessarily guarantee a product’s quality.
Further investigations are underway, and legal action will be initiated in Magistrates’ Courts against traders and other responsible parties where sufficient evidence is established.
Consumers have been advised to check product labels and obtain receipts when purchasing engine oil, gear oil and grease.
The CAA said it would continue market inspections and urged the public to report suspected violations through its 1977 hotline during office hours.
The Gazette requirements are confirmed in the CAA’s official Direction No. 88. Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka. (Newswire)