Legal action has been taken against more than 400 traders across Sri Lanka following nationwide raids carried out during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year period, the Public Health Inspectors’ Union announced.

Union General Secretary Chamil Muthukuda said nearly 2,000 raids were conducted between 1 and 12 April, during which over 12,000 shops were inspected.

He further stated that traders were charged for offences such as selling food in unhygienic conditions and distributing expired products.

Muthukuda further noted that similar inspections are scheduled to take place during the upcoming Vesak and Poson festivals, as part of continued efforts to safeguard public health. (Newswire/ Image- Divaina)

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The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has launched a special island‑wide operation to protect consumers from unfair practices during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festive season.

According to the CAA, the operation launched on March 20 focuses on preventing traders from hiding goods to create artificial shortages, selling items above prescribed prices, and offering expired or substandard products. 

The CAA further said that officials are also monitoring the continuous supply of gas and fuel.

Inspections will be carried out across the country, including on weekends and public holidays, and strict legal action will be taken against violators.

The CAA has urged consumers to report complaints during office hours via the hotline 1977. (Newswire/ AI Image)

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The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has confiscated more than 5,000 packs of 5kg rice from traders who attempted to create an artificial shortage in the market by falsely claiming stocks were unavailable. 

According to the CAA, the seized rice was auctioned, generating revenue exceeding Rs. 6.3 million.

The operation, carried out in 2025 under Section 16 of the CAA Act, targeted racketeers who misled consumers and disrupted fair market practices. 

The CAA said the decisive action serves as a legal warning to traders attempting to manipulate essential food supplies. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Police have arrested 24 wanted suspects in islandwide operations conducted on Monday (15). 

The arrested suspects are wanted for their direct involvement in various crimes in the country. 

According to the Police, a total of 27,580 persons were inspected during the operations conducted to curb drug and crime-related activities in Sri Lanka. 

The Police said 598 individuals were arrested on suspicion during the operations.

Among the arrested are also 248 against whom warrants had been issued, and 170 persons against whom open warrants had been issued. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lankan Police have arrested 15 persons wanted for their direct involvement in crimes across the country.

According to the Police, the suspects were arrested during multiple operations conducted on Sunday to curb drug and crime-related activities in Sri Lanka. 

A total of 27,654 persons were inspected during the operations conducted yesterday. 

Among them, 15 were arrested for their direct involvement in crimes, and 674 were arrested on suspicion.

The Police also arrested 220 persons against whom warrants had been issued, and 155 against whom open warrants had been issued. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lankan Police have arrested 616 persons on suspicion of links to criminal and drug activities during islandwide raids conducted yesterday (14).

According to the Police, the suspects were arrested following the inspection of 25,573 individuals during multiple raids conducted across the country.

Among those arrested are 13 directly linked to various crimes, 265 against whom warrants had been issued, and 161 persons against whom open warrants had been issued. 

The Police also arrested 72 individuals for driving under the influence of alcohol, while they initiated legal action against 18 for reckless driving, and 3567 for other traffic violations. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lankan Police have arrested 3315 suspects linked to drug activities during raids conducted between 08-14 August 2025.

According to the Police, the suspects were apprehended in 3321 raids conducted across Sri Lanka during this period. 

Among those arrested, 1014 individuals were arrested for the possession of heroin, 1191 with ICE, 27 with Hash, 1019 with cannabis, 17 with cannabis plants, 38 with narcotic pills, and 09 with imported cigarettes. 

A total of over 1.14 kilos of heroin, over 3.45 kilos of ICE, over 56g of hash, and over 565 kilos of cannabis had also been seized during the raids. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Police have arrested 618 individuals on suspicion of links to crimes and drug-related activities in the country.

According to the Police, the arrests were made following the inspection of 24,708 persons as part of the Police operations conducted yesterday to curb crime and drug-related activities in Sri Lanka. 

The arrested group also includes 19 persons directly linked to crimes, 203 individuals against whom warrants had been issued, and 174 persons against whom open warrants had been issued. 

The Police also arrested 72 persons for driving under the influence of alcohol, while 13 were charged with reckless driving and 3680 for other traffic offences. (Newswire)

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The Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) has seized stocks of fake Casio watches following simultaneous raids conducted at three locations of one of the largest retail stores in Sri Lanka.

According to reports, raids were conducted on two outlets of the retail store and its warehouse, from which counterfeit Casio watches, namely G-SHOCK timepieces were seized.

Legal action was initiated against the retail entity, while fines were also imposed over the stocks of counterfeit Casio watches.  

Commenting on the raids, the Japan-based company’s regional representatives said such actions underscore their unwavering commitment towards consumer interests and brand integrity.

Issuing a statement, Gurmeet Singh, Head of Legal, Casio India, said “We will continue to work closely with the authorities to safeguard our brand and our customers.”

Casio Group’s IP Enforcement Policy has sought to combat the issue of Casio’s counterfeits in the Sri Lankan market, the statement said. (Newswire)

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