Badulla trader fined Rs. 100,000 for selling rice above controlled price

30 March 2026 05:47 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 2 Bookmark

CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA Follow

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Colombo, March 30 (Daily Mirror) - A trader in Badulla has been fined Rs. 100,000 after being found guilty of selling rice above the Maximum Retail Price (MRP), as authorities intensify enforcement against price violations.

The case was filed on March 30, 2026, at the Badulla Magistrate’s Court following a raid conducted by the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA), which is carrying out ongoing inspections to identify shops charging more than the regulated price.

The accused merchant pleaded guilty to the charge, after which the court imposed the fine as a penalty for violating price control regulations.

The CAA has been conducting continuous operations islandwide to ensure compliance with price controls and protect consumers from unfair pricing practices.

Comments - 2

Jenny Rodrigo Monday, 30 March 2026 08:30 PM

There are so many shops in Piliyandala area that are selling Araliya

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ZAK Tuesday, 31 March 2026 09:16 AM

While enforcement is necessary, action focused primarily on wholesalers and retailers by the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) may not address the root cause. Price distortions typically originate at the level of rice millers and importers, who control bulk supply and often release stocks at higher prices. Wholesalers and retailers then have limited flexibility; they must either pass on the cost or face shortages. This is why varieties like Keeri Samba are often unavailable in leading supermarkets, while being sold at around Rs. 390 per kg, well above the ceiling price, by retailers such as rice vendors at the Narahenpita Economic Centre. Focusing only on wholesalers and retailers risks addressing the symptom rather than the cause. Enforcement should extend upstream to mills, importers, and stock movement to ensure proper price discipline.

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