A factory located in the Homagama Industrial Zone has been sealed by the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) for allegedly manufacturing and distributing substandard steel bars without the mandatory Sri Lanka Standards (SLS) certification.
The raid was carried out on May 09 following a tip-off received by CAA officials.
According to the CAA, the factory had been operating at the location for nearly three years and was producing 6mm steel bars alongside its other products before releasing them to the market.
Officials revealed that the steel bars did not comply with the mandatory SLS 375 standard, which specifies requirements for ribbed steel bars used in reinforced concrete construction.
The CAA said the company had failed to obtain the required SLS certification and had distributed the products without the mandatory SLS mark, posing a serious risk to construction safety and consumers.
The factory has now been sealed, while further investigations are underway.
The authority said strict legal action will be taken against the company for manufacturing and distributing substandard steel bars without the required certification.
The CAA also urged consumers to ensure steel bars purchased for construction purposes carry the mandatory SLS 375 certification mark, warning that substandard building materials could pose a major threat to lives and property. (Newswire)