The Court of Appeal has granted respondents, including the Commissioner General of Excise, time until October 2 to file objections in a writ petition seeking to prevent the use of rice and sugar as primary raw materials for beer production.

The petition was taken up before Justices R. Gurusinghe and A. Prem Shankar. President’s Counsels K. Kanageeswaran, Sumathi Dharmawardena, and Ali Sabry, appearing for several liquor manufacturing companies, requested additional time to submit objections, which the court allowed.

The petition was filed by a group of licensed liquor vendors, naming as respondents the Commissioner General of Excise and his officials, the Sri Lanka Standards Institution, the Attorney General, and the Inspector General of Police.

Petitioners argued that Section 2 of the Excise Ordinance defines beer strictly as a fermented liquor made from malt, yet many manufacturers are now using rice and sugar as the main ingredients. 

They claimed this practice violates the law and undermines national economic interests, especially since the government provides substantial subsidies for rice cultivation.

They further contended that diverting rice into commercial industries such as beer production hampers Sri Lanka’s goal of self‑sufficiency in rice and has adverse effects on the economy. 

The petition also criticized the Sri Lanka Standards Institution for failing to update its standards framework to properly monitor liquor production quality.

Accordingly, the petitioners requested the court to issue an order preventing approval for rice and sugar to be used as primary raw materials in beer manufacturing. (Newswire)

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The Galle Magistrate’s Court has imposed a fine of Rs. 500,000 on a welfare shop in Akmeemana after it was found guilty of selling imported Keeri Ponni rice above the government‑stipulated Maximum Retail Price (MRP).

According to the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA), district investigation officers raided the establishment on July 17, uncovering that rice was being sold at Rs. 270 per kilogram, exceeding the gazetted MRP of Rs. 255 per kilogram.

Legal action was instituted under the provisions of the CAA Act, and when the case was taken up, the defendant pleaded guilty. The court subsequently imposed the fine on July 23.

The CAA has urged consumers to remain vigilant and report traders selling rice above the prescribed MRP. Complaints can be lodged via the hotline 1977. (Newswire/ AI image)

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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) 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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Minister of Agriculture K.D. Lal Kantha says the government is preparing a long‑term program to expand the use of rice beyond its role as the country’s staple food.

“From paddy, rice is produced, and attention has been directed to using rice not only for the main food of meals but also for other productions,” he stated, in a post on social media.

He further stressed that removing obstacles and safeguarding farmers through market competition form the backbone of this plan. 

“Protecting the farmer through market competition is the government’s long‑term program. Preparations are currently underway to implement these measures,” Lal Kantha added. (Newswire)

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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 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 Galle Additional Magistrate’s Court has imposed fines on two traders who pleaded guilty to selling rice above the stipulated Maximum Retail Price (MRP). 

According to the Consumer Affairs Authority, fines of Rs. 100,000 each, totalling Rs. 200,000, were imposed.

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) said the traders were apprehended during raids in the Galle area, part of its continuous island-wide campaign to curb illegal practices that inconvenience consumers. (Newswire)

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A Gazette notification has been issued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake permitting the import of alternative rice varieties to address the shortage of Samba and Kiri Samba rice in the local market.

On Tuesday (31 March), Cabinet Spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa announced that approval had been granted for each importer to import up to 1,040 metric tons of GR 11 rice, including Ponni Samba and Kiri/Paal Ponni varieties, as a temporary measure.

Per the Gazette notification, importers are allowed to bring in these rice stocks between April 1 and April 30, with clearance from Sri Lanka Customs required by May 31. They have also been exempted from obtaining import control licenses for this purpose.

The move comes as the Consumer Affairs Authority, citing updated data from the Department of Agriculture, warned that total production of Samba and Kiri Samba during the 2025/26 Maha season would not be sufficient to meet demand, and that a severe shortage could emerge by May 2026.

The Food Policy and Security Committee had also highlighted the need to stabilize prices and meet consumer demand by importing substitute varieties. (Newswire)

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The All Ceylon Restaurant Owners’ Association has announced that food prices across the country will increase from midnight today (31).

According to the association, the price hike is being implemented following the government’s decision to revise electricity tariffs.

As such, the price of a rice packet and kottu will go up by Rs. 30, short eats by Rs. 10, and milk tea and plain tea by Rs. 5. (Newswire)

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The Welisara Magistrate’s Court yesterday (14 Jan) imposed fines totalling Rs. 300,000 on three traders in the Gampaha District after they admitted guilt in cases filed by the Consumer Affairs Authority for selling rice above the maximum retail price.

According to the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA), each offender was imposed a fine of Rs. 100,000.

According to court proceedings, the raids revealed the following violations:

• Ekala area, Ja-Ela: A shop was found selling Keeri Samba rice at Rs. 308 per kilogram, exceeding the approved price. Fine imposed: Rs. 100,000.
• Ja-Ela public market: A trader was caught selling Samba rice at Rs. 275 per kilogram, exceeding the approved price. Fine imposed: Rs. 100,000.
• Palliya Road, Kandana: A shop was detected selling Keeri Samba rice at Rs. 280 per kilogram, exceeding the approved price. Fine imposed: Rs. 100,000.

The Consumer Affairs Authority confirmed that strict legal action will continue against traders violating controlled price regulations. (Newswire)

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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 Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has warned that selling rice at a price higher than the gazetted maximum retail price is a punishable offence under the law.

Issuing a statement, the CAA said that traders who sell rice above the maximum retail price will face strict legal action, such as the following penalties; 

• For Proprietorships:

Minimum fine: Rs. 100,000

Maximum fine: Rs. 500,000 or 6 months imprisonment or both

• For Private Limited Companies / Bodies Corporate:

Minimum fine: Rs. 500,000

Maximum fine: Rs. 5,000,000

The CAA further urged the public to inform of traders selling rice above the maximum retail price via the CAA’s hotline 1977. (Newswire)

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The stock of rice ordered by the government will be distributed through Lanka Sathosa and Cooperative outlets starting today, the State Trading Corporation announced.

State Trading Corporation Chairman, Ravindra Fernando said the first consignment containing 780 MT of Nadu rice has already arrived in the country.

He further said that from the first consignment, 200 MT of rice will be sold through Lanka Sathosa outlets.

Stating that another consignment of 5200 MT of rice was nearing the Colombo Port, he said steps would be taken to distribute it tomorrow. 

Ravindra Fernando added that tenders have been called and finalized for an additional order of 26,000 MT of rice.

Meanwhile, according to Sri Lanka Customs, 80,000 MT of rice ordered by the private sector have already been distributed to the local market. (Newswire)

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A Gazette notification has been issued stipulating the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) per 01 kilo for several varieties of rice.

Per the Gazette, the Consumer Affairs Authority orders that no manufacturer, producer, supplier, distributor or trader shall sell, supply, expose or offer for sale, display for sale the said local varieties of rice exceeding the MRP.

The Gazette notification is effective from 09 December 2024. 

Gazette : http://documents.gov.lk/files/egz/2024/12/2414-02_E.pdf (Newswire)

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Essential food importers say over 10,000 metric tonnes of rice dispatched from the Thoothukudi Port in India has neared the Colombo Harbour, it was reported. 

According to the Lankadeepa newspaper, over 20,000 metric tonnes of rice ordered from small ports by several importers is expected to reach Sri Lanka before 13 December 2024.

The rice importers further said that another 20,000 metric tonnes of rice already ordered is also expected to reach Colombo before the Christmas festival.

Stating that all necessary measures are underway to clear the imported rice nearing the Colombo Port, the importers added that steps will be taken for its immediate clearance and distribution to the local market.

The importers revealed that the imported rice stocks include various types of rice, including Nadu Rice. (Newswire)

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The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) will conduct special inspections at rice mills in the Polonnaruwa area today.

These inspections aim to gather detailed reports on daily rice production, current stock levels, and the quantities released to the market.

CAA officers will closely monitor rice mills to ensure compliance, with strict legal action promised against those who violate the fixed prices.

The move comes after President Anura Kumara Dissanayake instructed the CAA to collect comprehensive data from all rice mills across the country. (Newswire)

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Lanka Sathosa has announced measures to ensure the sale of rice and coconuts at controlled prices as announced by the Minister of Trade recently to ensure continuous supply during the festive season. 

Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe told Parliament yesterday that Rice Millers agreed to supply 200,000 kilos of rice daily, while one million coconuts will also be sold for Rs. 130 through Sathosa outlets.

Lanka Sathosa Chairman Dr. Samitha Perera announced that steps have been taken to distribute the stocks of rice and coconuts to Sathosa outlets today. 

He further said that however, one customer will only be allowed to purchase 03 coconuts and 05 kilos of rice at once. 

Dr. Samitha Perera said the public can obtain the rice and coconuts from Sathosa outlets in Colombo from this evening, and in the suburbs from tomorrow (Dec 06). (Newswire)

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