Rs. 100,000 fine for violating Govt’s fixed price rule on essential goods: Bandula

A cabinet decision has been taken to increase the fine from Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 100,000 if an essential commodity is sold at a higher price than the price fixed by the government, Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardane said.

He said this historic decision was made considering the numerous complaints received by the Ministry from the consumers.

Accordingly, the fine increased by more than 3,900% and all commodities that are deemed essential for the lives of people fall into the category.

Later, a gazette notification on this would be issued after providing full permission. With the current fine, traders are used to playing with the law while criticising the government, the minister further said. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)