COLOMBO, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has launched a special program to protect consumers ahead of the upcoming festive season of Sinhala and Tamil New Year, a senior official said on Monday.
CAA Chairman Hemantha Samarakoon told journalists that they have carried out more than 1,000 raids since March 20, and more than 170 traders have faced legal proceedings for offenses, including hoarding rice and selling it at higher prices.
CAA has conducted nearly 5,000 raids so far this year as part of broader efforts to regulate market practices and safeguard consumers, he said.
Samarakoon said recent price increases in some goods were linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, and they are holding continuous talks with importers, local manufacturers and suppliers to prevent shortages.
Samarakoon urged traders not to hoard essential goods, especially gas, warning that authorities will take strict legal action against offenders. ■