Warehouse containing 4.2 million kg of sugar sealed in Peliyagoda

Colombo, July 7 (Daily Mirror) - A warehouse in Peliyagoda belonging to a major sugar importer was raided yesterday (6) after authorities uncovered an alleged operation to repackage expired sugar and release it to the market at lower prices.

The joint raid was carried out by the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) and the Walana Central Anti-Corruption Task Force following intelligence received by the task force regarding a large warehouse complex in Peliyagoda, Kelaniya, in the Gampaha District.

During the operation, investigators allegedly found sugar imported as far back as five years ago that had already expired. According to the authorities, the expired sugar was being stored together with unexpired stocks before being repacked and distributed to the market at prices significantly below the prevailing market rate.

Officials also discovered around 85,000 bags of sugar, each weighing 50 kilograms, inside the warehouse, amounting to more than 4.2 million kilograms of sugar.

The suspects linked to the alleged operation have been released on bail pending further investigations.

The CAA said the entire warehouse complex has been officially sealed as investigations continue into the alleged food safety and consumer protection violations.