The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has taken decisive action against traders in the Gampaha district for selling rice above the government-controlled prices, resulting in fines totaling Rs. 300,000. The penalties were handed down by the Welisara Magistrate's Court yesterday (January 14, 2026).
The court heard cases against three shops that admitted to overpricing rice, highlighting the CAA’s continued vigilance in monitoring essential commodity markets.
The details of the violations include:
Ekala, Ja-Ela: Keeri Samba rice sold above Rs. 308 per kilo – Rs. 100,000 fine.
Ja-Ela Public Market: Samba rice sold above Rs. 275 per kilo – Rs. 100,000 fine.
Church Road, Kandana: Keeri Samba rice sold at Rs. 280 per kilo – Rs. 100,000 fine.
The CAA stressed that price control enforcement remains a priority to protect consumers from exploitation and to ensure fair access to essential food items.
Authorities warned that traders found breaching price regulations in the future could face even stricter penalties, including possible prosecution, reinforcing the government’s commitment to consumer protection and market fairness.
