The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has reported nearly 200 consumer protection law violations following a series of special raids conducted across several districts from October 20 to 24.According to the CAA, the raids primarily targeted businesses that failed to display prices of goods and committed other violations of consumer protection regulations.The operations aimed to ensure price transparency, enable consumers to check prices before making purchases, and prevent unfair trading practices.Inspections were carried out at businesses selling a wide range of goods, including rice, sugar, dhal, vegetables, fruits, wheat flour, bakery products, snacks, clothing, electrical appliances, mobile phone accessories and other consumer products.The special operations covered several districts, including Galle, Matara, Hambantota, Jaffna, Ampara, Batticaloa, Anuradhapura, Kurunegala, Puttalam, Kandy, Matale, Kegalle, Ratnapura, Monaragala, Trincomalee, Mannar, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya.

The Authority said legal action had been initiated against owners of businesses found violating the relevant regulations. Court dates have also been scheduled for certain cases to be heard before magistrates’ courts.Meanwhile, special investigations were conducted into wheat flour sales, market stock levels, price displays and compliance with relevant legal requirements.The Consumer Affairs Authority reiterated that legal action would be taken against businesses found failing to display prices or violating other consumer protection laws.