– The Avissawella Magistrate’s Court has imposed a fine of Rs. 500,000 on company for selling a 500ml bottle of locally bottled drinking water for Rs. 100, exceeding the maximum retail price (MRP) of Rs. 80.The company, based in Kaluaggala, Hanwella, pleaded guilty to the charge when the case filed by the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) was taken up on October 9.

The CAA filed the case following a raid conducted by its investigation officers on August 11, 2026, during which they found that the company was selling the bottle of water for Rs. 20 above the stipulated MRP.Under Order No. 96, published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2492/29 on June 10, 2026, the maximum retail price of locally bottled PET drinking water in containers ranging from 500ml to 999ml has been fixed at Rs. 80.The CAA reminded consumers that sellers are not permitted to charge more than the legally prescribed MRP, regardless of whether goods are sold at retail shops, restaurants, hotels or amusement parks.It urged consumers to check prices, obtain receipts and retain them as evidence when making complaints about overpricing.Consumers can report businesses selling goods above the prescribed MRP by calling the CAA hotline on 1977 during office hours.