The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has conducted nearly 200 special raids across Sri Lanka over violations of consumer protection laws, including the failure to display prices of goods offered for sale.According to the CAA, the raids and market inspections were carried out from October 20 to 24, 2026, across several districts as part of a special enforcement program aimed at ensuring price transparency and preventing unfair trading practices.Officials inspected businesses selling rice, sugar, dhal, vegetables, fruits, wheat flour, bakery products, clothing, electrical appliances, mobile phone accessories and other consumer goods.
Violations were detected in several districts, including Galle, Matara, Hambantota, Jaffna, Ampara, Batticaloa, Anuradhapura, Kurunegala, Puttalam, Kandy, Ratnapura and Trincomalee.The CAA said several businesses had failed to display the prices of essential food items, particularly rice, sugar, dhal, vegetables and fruits.Legal action has been initiated against the businesses concerned, while dates have been scheduled for filing cases before Magistrates’ Courts in certain instances.Special investigations were also conducted into wheat flour sales, market availability, stock levels and compliance with pricing regulations.
Under Section 26(1) of the Consumer Affairs Authority Act, No. 9 of 2003, traders are required to clearly display the prices of goods offered for sale where prices are not already marked on the products or their packaging in accordance with the law.The CAA has urged traders to comply with price display regulations and other consumer protection laws.Members of the public have also been encouraged to report businesses that fail to display prices or engage in unfair trading practices by contacting the CAA hotline on 1977 during office hours.
