The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has launched a large-scale enforcement operation targeting wholesale traders and importers accused of violating consumer protection laws in the Colombo and Gampaha districts.
The special raid was carried out on June 24 as part of efforts to identify businesses allegedly engaged in altering product labels, storing expired goods, illegally relabelling products, selling unlabeled items and charging prices above government-controlled limits for essential commodities.
According to the CAA, the operation focused on importers’ warehouses, large wholesale storage facilities and major wholesale trading establishments.
A significant portion of the inspections was carried out in Pettah, one of the country’s largest wholesale trading hubs, where thousands of retailers source goods for distribution across the island.
Focus on Consumer Protection
The authority said specialised enforcement teams were deployed to several key commercial areas, including Pettah, Mattakkuliya, Grandpass, Wattala and Modara.
Officials inspected warehouses, storage facilities and wholesale outlets to identify products that may have been improperly labelled or sold in violation of consumer protection regulations.
The operation forms part of broader efforts to strengthen market surveillance and ensure businesses comply with laws governing product safety, pricing and consumer rights.
Authorities have increasingly focused on enforcement activities amid concerns about the sale of expired products, misleading labels and unauthorized price increases on essential goods.
Legal Action to Follow
The Consumer Affairs Authority warned that businesses and individuals found to have violated provisions of the Consumer Affairs Authority Act will face legal action.
According to the authority, cases will be filed before the relevant Magistrate’s Courts against offenders identified during the inspections.
The law provides powers for authorities to investigate unfair trade practices, protect consumers from deceptive conduct and take action against businesses that fail to comply with regulations.
For consumers, the operation is intended to improve confidence in the marketplace by ensuring that products sold through wholesale and retail channels meet legal requirements and safety standards.
The results of the inspections and details of any enforcement actions are expected to be announced following the completion of investigations by the Consumer Affairs Authority.
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Last modified: June 25, 2026
