CAA raids continue against rice price violation

Monday, 27 February 2017 00:31 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Based on complaints received regarding the violation of Maximum Retail Price (MRP) for rice the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has carried out 159 raids countrywide.

During the raids carried out on Friday (24) and on Saturday (25) officials have identified 63 places that sold rice exceeding the MRP and 3,590 kilograms of expired rice were taken into the custody from Colombo (2,550 kg) and Akurana (1,040 kg).

MRP for locally produced Samba Rice (excluding Keeri Samba and Suduru Samba) is Rs. 90 per kilo and for imported variety it is Rs. 80 per kilo. MRP for locally produced Nadu Rice is Rs. 80 per kilo and Rs. 72 per kilo for imported variety and MRP for local raw rice is Rs. 78 per kilo and Rs. 70 per kilo for imported variety.

Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishard Bathiudeen has instructed the officials of CAA to carry out raids and to take legal action against offenders. He said the MRP for rice was decided after discussed with relevant parties. Selling expired or spoiled rice is also an offence, the minister added.

CAA Chairman Hasitha Tillekeratne said that they were receiving complaints from public regarding the violation of MRP for rice. He added that most of the traders are selling rice at MRP due to the raids carried out by the CAA.

Those who exceeded the MRP and sold expired rice will be presented before court.