The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has taken legal action against a company in the Heraliyawala Industrial Estate, Kurunegala, for manufacturing and selling safety helmets bearing a false Sri Lanka Standards (SLS) mark.

During a special raid conducted by Kurunegala District Investigative Officers of the CAA on July 27, 2026, officials seized 57 safety helmets stored at the premises with the falsely applied certification mark.

A case was filed before the Kurunegala Magistrate’s Court on July 31, 2026, where the defendant pleaded guilty. 

The Court imposed a fine of Rs. 80,000 and ordered the destruction of the seized helmets produced as case items.

The CAA has urged the public to report manufacturers or traders involved in producing or selling substandard products, items bearing false SLS marks, or products that may mislead consumers via the hotline 1977. (Newswire/ AI Image)

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The Jaffna Magistrate’s Court has fined two medical institutions a total of Rs. 400,000 for serious violations of the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) Act, including possession of expired medicines and overcharging patients for blood tests.

The cases were filed by CAA Jaffna District Investigation Officers following raids in July.

• Northern Central Hospitals (Pvt) Ltd, Thirunelvely – Raided on July 29, investigators found expired eye‑surgery medicines, expired Ether Liquid and Hydrogen Peroxide, and expired surgical equipment. The institution pleaded guilty to three charges and was fined Rs. 100,000 per charge, totaling Rs. 300,000.
• New Sun Rise Medi Clinic, Navalar Road – Raided on July 14, the clinic was charged for violating Direction No. 67 by billing Rs. 550 for a Full Blood Count test, exceeding the maximum fee of Rs. 400. The defendant pleaded guilty and was fined Rs. 100,000.

In a special order under Section 60(6) of the CAA Act, the Court directed that details of the judgments against both institutions be published in newspapers to raise public awareness.

The CAA urged the public to remain vigilant and report hospitals, clinics, or laboratories that charge above prescribed fees or keep expired medicines and equipment via the 1977 hotline. (Newswire/ AI Image)

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The Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court has imposed a fine of Rs. 500,000 on a railway catering service after it was found guilty of selling bottled drinking water above the Government‑prescribed Maximum Retail Price (MRP) aboard the Kankesanthurai–Colombo train.

The case was filed by Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) district investigation officers following a special raid in Anuradhapura on July 9, 2026. During the inspection, officers discovered that a 1000 ml bottle of water, marked at Rs. 120, was being sold for Rs. 150 inside the train canteen.

Upon considering the evidence, the Magistrate ruled that the establishment had violated Direction No. 96 issued under the Consumer Affairs Authority Act and imposed the penalty.

The CAA has formally notified the Sri Lanka Railways Department about the sale of goods at excessive prices in train canteens. Officials confirmed that the same establishment had previously faced legal action for similar violations and has now been strictly warned to comply fully with consumer protection laws.

The Authority emphasized that while it seeks to guide traders through awareness and instruction, it will not hesitate to take strict legal action against any trader or establishment that disregards regulations.

Passengers are urged to report traders selling goods above the prescribed Maximum Retail Price aboard trains or elsewhere via the CAA hotline 1977. (Newswire/ AI image)

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The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has issued a clarification on the maximum charges applicable for key medical laboratory tests, following reports of a private hospital in Jaffna charging above the prescribed fee for a Full Blood Count (FBC) test.

According to a CAA statement, under Order No. 67, issued in terms of Section 20(5) of the Consumer Affairs Authority Act, No. 09 of 2003, the maximum charges are:

• Full Blood Count (FBC) Test — LKR 400 per test and report
• NS1 Antigen Test for Dengue — LKR 1,200 per test and report

This order has been in force since 29 July 2020, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 2186/17.

The CAA urged consumers to remain vigilant when obtaining these tests from private hospitals or laboratories. Patients are advised to always request an official bill or receipt for payments.

If an institution charges above the prescribed maximum fee, complaints can be lodged with the CAA via the 1977 hotline, together with the receipt and any other evidence.

The CAA emphasized that strict enforcement of these regulations is essential to protect patients from unfair pricing practices in the health sector. (Newswire)

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A supermarket in Beruwala has been fined Rs. 1 million by the Kalutara Magistrate’s Court for selling locally produced Keeri Samba rice above the government‑mandated Maximum Retail Price (MRP).

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) revealed that the outlet was selling rice at Rs. 355 per kilogram, far exceeding the gazetted MRP of Rs. 260 per kilogram. 

During a raid, officers found 5kg packs priced at Rs. 1,775, well above the legal limit.

Legal action was initiated by CAA’s Kalutara District Investigative Officers, and when the case was taken up, the defendants pleaded guilty to violating the Consumer Affairs Authority Act. The court imposed the fine on July 17.

The CAA has urged consumers to remain vigilant, check the printed MRP when purchasing essential goods, and report traders charging above the controlled price or selling substandard and expired food products to its hotline 1977. (Newswire/ AI Image)

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The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) says it has uncovered expired and unfit medical laboratory materials during a series of special raids targeting private hospitals and medical laboratories across Sri Lanka.

The CAA said 52 raids were carried out covering all districts as part of a nationwide operation aimed at safeguarding consumer health and safety.

According to the authority, inspections revealed serious non-compliances at several institutions, including the use and storage of expired laboratory materials alongside items currently in use.

Among the items found to be unfit for use were blood glucose testing kits, laboratory chemicals, dengue diagnostic test kits, gels used for cardiac patients, dye solutions and other laboratory consumables used for medical examinations.

The seized materials have been taken into the custody of investigating officers, while further investigations are underway.

The CAA said legal action will be instituted against the relevant institutions under the Consumer Affairs Authority Act, adding that similar islandwide inspections will continue to protect public health and consumer safety. (Newswire/ AI Image)

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The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has initiated legal proceedings against a canteen operating inside the Colombo–Jaffna express train after officials uncovered the sale of drinking water bottles above the stipulated price.

During a raid conducted at the Anuradhapura Railway Station, CAA officers found that bottles marked at Rs. 120 were being sold for Rs. 150, exploiting passengers. 

Officials confirmed that legal action has been initiated against those responsible.

The CAA has also formally notified the Department of Railways in writing about the inconvenience caused to commuters by inflated prices in train canteens. 

Authorities revealed that four similar raids have been carried out recently, targeting canteens inside train compartments. (Newswire)

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The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has sealed a warehouse in Peliyagoda after uncovering more than 4.2 million kilograms of expired sugar being repacked and released to the market at cut‑rate prices.

The raid, carried out on Monday (06) in a joint special operation by the Consumer Affairs Authority and the Walana Central Anti‑Corruption Task Force, targeted a large‑scale sugar importer in Kelaniya’s Pethiyagoda area.

Investigators found sugar stocks imported as far back as five years ago stored alongside unexpired supplies. 

The expired sugar was allegedly repackaged and sold at prices well below the prevailing market rate. 

At the time of the raid, officers identified approximately 85,000 bags of sugar weighing 50 kg each inside the warehouse.

The suspects linked to the operation have been released on bail, while the entire warehouse complex remains sealed pending further investigation. (Newswire)

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The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has officially rescinded the order that prohibited the use of rice and paddy for animal feed production.

According to the latest Gazette notification issued on July 3, 2026 (Order No. 97) under the Consumer Affairs Authority Act No. 09 of 2003 (as amended), the CAA annulled Order No. 84 published in June 2022, which had banned producers, traders, and distributors from selling, stockpiling, transporting, or purchasing rice and paddy for animal feed purposes.

The 2022 order had come into effect on June 24, 2022, and was introduced as part of measures to safeguard food supplies.

With the latest decision, the restrictions imposed on the use of rice and paddy for animal feed have now been lifted. (Newswire)

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The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court has imposed a fine of Rs. 300,000 on a Chinese supermarket located on R.A. De Mel Mawatha in Colombo 03, found guilty of violating provisions of the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) Act.

According to the CAA, the Court also ordered the destruction of all goods produced as case property.

The ruling followed legal action instituted by the CAA after investigators uncovered multiple violations during a special raid.

The trader was found to have offered goods for sale without marked prices, failed to maintain supplier invoices and receipts, and sold items that lacked mandatory label information, including the Maximum Retail Price (MRP), manufacturer/importer details, and other legally required particulars.

The CAA stressed that such practices mislead and deceive consumers, undermining fair trade.

Consumers are urged to report violations such as overpricing, failure to display prices, or sale of goods without mandatory labels to the CAA hotline 1977. (Newswire/ AI image)

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Barista Sri Lanka has issued a statement addressing recent public attention over a compliance matter identified at its Bandarawela outlet, stressing that food safety, product quality, and regulatory compliance remain core priorities for the national brand.

The company said the issue involved a small number of short shelf‑life items and labelling observations, including six cookies, one curd tub, packets of Kochchi and pesto sauce, and a few sugar sachets. During a raid by the Consumer Affairs Authority, concerns were also raised about date labelling on individually sold cake pieces packed for takeaway.

Barista acknowledged that required procedures were not followed correctly at the outlet, noting that its internal standards mandate regular expiry checks and removal of items that do not meet quality requirements.

“We accept that the responsibility always remains with us to ensure that our standards are followed consistently and at the same level across all our 89+ outlets. Our management and operations teams are directly involved with officials from the Consumer Affairs Authority in Bandarawela to address these matters, obtain further clarity, and make the necessary improvements,” the statement read.

The company described the incident as an “eye‑opener” and pledged to reinforce outlet‑level accountability and daily checks.

Serving over 18,000 customers daily across 16 districts, Barista reiterated its commitment to uphold the highest standards of food safety, product quality, service excellence, and customer trust. (Newswire)

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The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) today (11) raided an illegally operated canned fish manufacturing facility in Arachchikattuwa, seizing a large stock of products produced without the mandatory Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) certification mark.

Officials said the unlicensed operation posed a serious risk to consumer health and safety, as the seized goods had been manufactured outside approved standards and labeling requirements.

According to the CAA, the raid was part of its ongoing enforcement drive against substandard and unsafe food products. The authority stressed that the absence of the SLS certification mark violates consumer protection laws and undermines food safety regulations.

The CAA urged consumers to remain vigilant when purchasing locally manufactured canned fish, checking for the SLS mark and proper labeling to ensure compliance with national standards.

The CAA further appealed to the public to report any illegal business activities or substandard food products to its hotline 1977. (Newswire)

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The Bandarawela Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday (10) fined a popular coffee shop in Bandarawela Rs. 400,000 after the company pleaded guilty to four charges of violating consumer protection laws.

The case was filed following a raid conducted by officers of the Consumer Affairs Authority’s (CAA) Badulla District Office, which uncovered serious offences.

According to the CAA, the company admitted to selling cakes and biscuit packets without mandatory label information such as price, weight, manufacture date and expiry date, while also keeping expired biscuit packets for sale. 

In addition, expired food items were found stored in refrigerators and storage areas for use in food and beverage preparation, misleading consumers.

The CAA stressed that consumers must remain vigilant when purchasing food items, even from well‑known branded outlets, and urged the public to check labels, prices and expiry dates carefully. 

Violations of consumer rights can be reported via the Consumer Affairs Authority hotline 1977, it added. (Newswire)

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The Nuwara Eliya Magistrate’s Court today imposed fines totalling Rs. 600,000 on two traders found guilty of overcharging consumers in the tourist town.

One shop was fined Rs. 500,000 for selling a 750ml drinking water bottle at Rs. 30 above the stipulated price. 

Another trader was fined Rs. 100,000 for selling rice above the government‑regulated Maximum Retail Price (MRP).

The cases were filed following raids conducted by officers of the Nuwara Eliya District Office of the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA).

The CAA reminded consumers to always check the printed MRP when purchasing essential goods, request receipts, and report violations to the CAA hotline 1977. (Newswire)

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A shop in Colombo 03 was fined Rs. 10,000 today by the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court for illegally selling ceiling fans without importer details or supplier invoices.

According to the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA), the shop had committed two major violations. 

Ceiling fans were displayed for sale without labelling the country of origin or the importer’s name and address. In addition, the goods were kept for sale without receipts or invoices from suppliers, breaching consumer protection directives.

The CAA emphasized that consumers have the right to know the source of imported electrical appliances and to receive proper documentation. 

The authority urged the public to remain vigilant when purchasing such products, advising them to check whether importer details and the country of origin are clearly mentioned, and to always request a bill or receipt.

Consumers were further encouraged to report illegal traders concealing information or selling goods without accountability. Complaints can be lodged via the CAA hotline 1977. (Newswire/ AI image)

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The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has filed strict legal action against traders in Marawila who were found selling Samba rice above the government‑mandated Maximum Retail Price (MRP).

According to the CAA, special raids conducted in the area on Thursday (15) revealed that several traders were unfairly charging consumers by selling rice at inflated prices. 

The CAA stated that court cases have already been initiated against all those involved in exploiting the public.

The CAA reminded consumers to remain vigilant when purchasing essential goods, stressing that buyers should not pay more than the stipulated control price. 

Authorities also urged the public to report violations immediately via the hotline 1977. (Newswire)

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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)

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The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has initiated legal proceedings against a shop in the Hingula area of Mawanella after it was found selling a 5kg pack of Keeri Samba rice at Rs. 1,950, far above the stipulated Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of Rs. 1,300.

According to CAA officials, the trader was pocketing an unfair profit of Rs. 130 per kilo, exploiting consumers by charging exorbitant prices. 

The violation was uncovered by Kegalle District Investigation Officers during a raid conducted yesterday (11).

The CAA remains vigilant against traders who attempt to take advantage of consumers by selling essential goods above the control price. 

The public is reminded to always verify the printed MRP when purchasing rice or other essentials, and to avoid paying more than the stipulated price.

Consumers are urged to report such violations immediately to the CAA via its hotline 1977. (Newswire)

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The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) says it has intensified islandwide raids targeting traders selling rice above the gazetted maximum retail price (MRP).

As part of the ongoing operation, CAA officials on Friday (02) carried out several special raids in the Piliyandala area.

During the inspections, officials detected a trader at the Bokundara Economic Centre selling a kilogram of Keeri Samba rice for Rs. 360, exceeding the approved maximum retail price.

The CAA said legal action will be taken against traders found violating price regulations.

The authority also urged consumers to check the gazetted maximum retail price when purchasing rice and avoid paying more than the stipulated amount.

Consumers were further requested to report unfair sales practices or the hoarding of goods through the CAA hotline 1977 during office hours. (Newswire)

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The Matara Magistrate’s Court yesterday (29) imposed a fine of Rs. 100,000 on a supermarket in Matara for selling bottled water above the government-regulated Maximum Retail Price (MRP).

According to the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA), the stipulated MRP for a 1 litre water bottle is Rs. 100, but the supermarket sold it at a higher price, violating price control regulations.

CAA officers from the Matara District conducted a raid, reported the case to the court, and the shop owner pleaded guilty before being fined.

The CAA has reminded consumers to always check the printed MRP and expiry date before purchasing goods, and urged the public not to pay more than the stipulated price.

Consumers are also encouraged to report such violations with proof, such as receipts, to its hotline 1977. (Newswire/ AI image)

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