– An Ella hostel and restaurant has been fined Rs. 260,000 after its operator pleaded guilty to selling bottled drinking water above the prescribed maximum retail price and displaying expired soft drinks for sale, the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) said.The violations were detected during a raid conducted by CAA investigation officers attached to the Badulla District on October 2, 2026, at Ella Hostel and Restaurant near the Ella Railway Station.

Investigations revealed that the establishment had sold a one-litre bottle of drinking water, carrying a maximum retail price of Rs. 120, for Rs. 200, charging Rs. 80 above the prescribed price.Officers also found six 400 ml soda bottles that had expired on September 29, 2026, displayed for sale alongside other products.The CAA instituted legal proceedings before the Bandarawela Magistrate’s Court over the violations. When the case was taken up on October 14, the defendant, Sudath Kumar Vamadevan, pleaded guilty to the charges, following which the court imposed a fine of Rs. 260,000.

The CAA said businesses must comply with legally prescribed maximum retail prices and regularly check expiry dates, removing expired products from sale.It also urged consumers to check expiry dates when purchasing packaged food and beverages and report violations, including overcharging and the sale of expired products, through the CAA’s consumer hotline 1977 during office hours.