CAA apprehends over 8,000 errant traders

By Waruni Paranagamage

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has conducted 8,279 raids within the past five months against vendors who violated the Consumer Act, according to Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen.

He yesterday revealed that 149 raids were reported in January, 1,371 in February, 2,351 in March and 2,503 in April while 1,905 were reported in May.

“I have directed the CAA Chairman to implement the law against the vendors who violated the Act, disregarding their level. The highest number of raids were reported from Kandy, accounting for 839,” he said.

Colombo District was in second place in terms of violations, with 756 raids, while Gampaha was third with 566 raids. Bathiudeen said they would take stern action and file action against errant vendors who did not adhere to CAA directions in future.

He said the raids had been undertaken against the traders selling at high prices, selling expired goods, conducting unfair trading and violating the Consumer Affairs Act.

“We are responsible to provide consumers qualitative goods for a fair price and weight. We hope to raise awareness among consumers and the traders to follow the Consumer Affairs Act,” he added.