The Matara Magistrate’s Court has imposed a total fine of Rs. 1,000,000 on two tourist hotels in the district for selling bottled drinking water above the government‑regulated Maximum Retail Price (MRP).
According to the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA), each hotel was fined Rs. 500,000 yesterday (13).
The hotels were detected following raids conducted by the Matara District Office of the CAA, based on complaints by consumers.
Per consumer complaints, the hotels had sold a 1-litre water bottle priced at Rs. 100 for Rs. 450, and a 500ml bottle priced at Rs. 70 for Rs. 300, exploiting customers by charging several times the stipulated price.
The CAA urged consumers to always check the printed MRP and expiry date before purchasing goods, demand receipts for purchases, and avoid paying more than the stipulated price.
They further encouraged the public to report such violations with proof to the CAA hotline 1977. (Newswire)