CAA launches special inspections ahead of Sinhala and Hindu New Year

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has started a series of special inspections and investigations from March 20, in preparation for the upcoming Sinhala and Hindu New Year celebrations. This initiative is designed to protect consumers from unfair practices in the market. The CAA has expressed concerns that some traders might take advantage of the current geopolitical and economic issues in the Middle East to create fake shortages of essential goods like food, gas, and fuel or to raise prices unreasonably. To prevent these actions and to ensure a smooth festive season, all CAA investigation officers will be on duty continuously, including weekends and public holidays. As part of this operation, warehouses and wholesale stores will be inspected regularly, and legal measures will be taken against traders caught hoarding products. The authority has stressed that it will pay close attention to violations such as charging more than the maximum retail prices, selling items above their marked prices, not displaying prices, offering expired products, selling low-quality goods, and failing to issue receipts. Furthermore, gas suppliers and fuel stations will be carefully monitored to ensure that consumers have a steady supply. Officers have been directed to strictly enforce the law against any trader who breaks regulations during this festive time. Consumers are urged to report any unfair practices or market issues to the CAA by calling their hotline at 1977 during business hours.