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Thursday Dec 26, 2024
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In a bid to strengthen consumer rights and streamline the grievance reprisal process, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a comprehensive program presented by the Trade, Commerce and Food Security Minister Nalin Fernando.
At the heart of this endeavour is the establishment of a National Operations Centre, a dedicated hub tasked with coordinating and executing special raids through a collaborative effort.
The initiative aims to significantly reduce the time and effort invested in investigating customer complaints and making decisions on them. Its key components include educational initiatives targeting both consumers and producers, with a focus on instilling awareness about consumer rights and promoting fair trade practices.
“This will be a pivotal shift towards decentralised investigation processes, bringing the resolution of complaints to the district level for increased efficiency. The joint program is poised to revolutionise the enforcement of consumer protection measures,” Cabinet Co-Spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardena said at the post-Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
Legal provisions have been reinforced within the framework of the Consumer Affairs Authority Act No. 9 of 2003, empowering the Consumer Affairs Authority to intervene and address consumer complaints.
Concurrently, the Department of Measurement, Standards, and Services, instituted by the Measurement Units, Standards, and Services Act No. 35 of 1995, will join forces with the Consumer Affairs Authority to conduct market raids aimed at safeguarding consumer rights.
“With a concerted effort to educate and empower both consumers and producers, the initiative embodies a forward-looking approach to fair and transparent trade practices, ultimately fostering a more equitable marketplace for all stakeholders involved,” he added.
