CAA launches special raids for festive season

By Ajith Siriwardana 

Claiming that the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has launched a special programme to safeguard consumers in view of the upcoming festive season, its chairman, Hemantha Samarakoon said yesterday that more than 1,000 raids have been carried out since March 20. 

He said raids are being conducted on traders who are hoarding stocks and selling goods exceeding the controlled price and pointed out that legal action is being taken against the offenders. The Chairman said the Consumer Affairs Authority are taking steps to protect the rights of the consumers, adding that nearly 5,000 raids have been conducted so far this year. 

He said legal action has been taken against more than 170 traders who were found to have hoarded rice and sold it at prices exceeding the controlled price. 

The chairman said, considering the shortage of Samba and Keeri Samba in the market, steps have been taken to import substitute rice varieties such as Ponni Samba and Kiri/Paal Ponni rice for the festive season. He said rice stocks will arrive in the country soon before the New Year. 

He said a shortage is reported in domestic gas supplied by a private supplier and said that they have assured to resume gas supply by April 8 or 9.   The Chairman urged traders not to engage in hoarding essential commodities such as gas and rice in the festive season and said that strict legal action will be taken against those who violate regulations.