A hotel located at a long-distance bus stop in the Bendaluwa area of Parakaduwa, Ratnapura, has been fined by court for selling bottled drinking water above the maximum retail price.
Following frequent complaints regarding the overpricing of goods at roadside hotels used by long-distance bus passengers, officials of the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) conducted a raid on the premises on March 12, 2025. During the inspection, it was revealed that a 500 ml bottle of drinking water with a maximum retail price (MRP) of Rs. 70 was being sold for Rs. 80.
Subsequently, the Consumer Affairs Authority filed a case against the businessman at the Ratnapura Magistrate’s Court on January 26, 2026. The accused pleaded guilty to the charge.
After considering the facts, the Ratnapura Magistrate imposed a fine of Rs. 100,000 on the businessman.
The Consumer Affairs Authority stated that inspections will continue at long-distance bus halts and roadside eateries to prevent the exploitation of passengers and to ensure compliance with pricing regulations.
