Colombo, May 12 (Daily Mirror)-A well-known rest house in Ratnapura and three rice-selling shops have been fined by the Ratnapura Magistrate’s Court for selling essential items above the approved prices.

The famous rest house in Ratnapura was ordered to pay a hefty fine of Rs. 500,000 after it was found guilty of selling locally produced bottled drinking water above the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) printed on the packaging during a raid carried out yesterday (11).

Meanwhile, three shops in Kuruwita, Parakaduwa and Ratnapura were also prosecuted for selling local Keeri Samba and imported Keeri Ponni rice above the government-controlled price.

The traders pleaded guilty before court and were each fined Rs. 100,000.

Authorities urged consumers to always check the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) displayed on goods before making purchases and not to pay more than the approved price.

Consumers can lodge complaints regarding overpricing through the Consumer Affairs Authority hotline 1977 during office hours.