Three motorcycle dealerships in Hettipola have been fined by the Hettipola Magistrate’s Court following investigations by the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) into the sale of motorcycles at prices higher than those set by authorized dealers and the failure to display prices.
The CAA launched investigations after receiving complaints and information that some traders were taking advantage of high consumer demand and limited motorcycle supplies by purchasing motorcycles and reselling them to customers at significantly inflated prices. An authorized local motorcycle dealer had also informed the CAA in writing about the practice, stating that it had introduced a first-come, first-served waiting-list system because of insufficient supply. However, certain individuals were allegedly using the names of others to obtain motorcycles and subsequently reselling them to genuine buyers at excessive prices.
Following the information received, CAA investigation officers carried out special raids at motorcycle showrooms in the Hettipola. Legal action was later instituted against three showrooms for failing to display motorcycle prices and, in two cases, selling motorcycles above the prices stipulated by the authorized dealer.
Malji Auto City on Kurunegala Road, Hettipola, was charged with failing to display prices and selling a motorcycle for Rs. 850,000, despite the authorized dealer price being Rs. 790,000. The showroom had therefore charged Rs. 60,000 above the authorized price. The court imposed a total fine of Rs. 10,000 for the two violations.
Pradeep Motors on Chilaw Road, Hettipola, was also charged with failing to display prices and selling a motorcycle for Rs. 845,000, which was Rs. 55,000 higher than the authorized dealer price of Rs. 790,000. The court imposed a fine of Rs. 10,000 for the offenses.
Meanwhile, Lucky Enterprises in Hettipola was charged for failing to display the prices of motorcycles that had been kept ready for sale. The court imposed a fine of Rs. 5,000 for the violation.
The CAA has urged consumers to check the official prices of motorcycles carefully before making a purchase. Consumers who encounter traders charging excessive prices by taking advantage of high demand or limited supply, or who fail to display prices as required, can lodge complaints with the Consumer Affairs Authority by calling the short code 1977 during working hours.
