The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) instituted legal action against Leisure World Water Parks (Pvt) Ltd, located in Kaluaggala, Hanwella, for selling bottled drinking water above the prescribed Maximum Retail Price (MRP).
Following the defendant company’s guilty plea before Court, a fine of Rs. 500,000 was imposed.
During a raid conducted by Investigation Officers of the Consumer Affairs Authority on Aug. 11, 2026, it was found that a locally bottled 500 ml drinking water bottle had been sold for Rs. 100.
Under Direction No. 96, published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2492/29 dated 10 June 2026, issued under the Consumer Affairs Authority Act, No. 9 of 2003, the MRP of locally bottled drinking water in PET containers with capacities ranging from 500 ml to 999 ml is fixed at LKR 80.
Accordingly, the Consumer Affairs Authority instituted legal proceedings before the Avissawella Magistrate’s Court for selling a bottled drinking water at Rs. 20 above the prescribed MRP.
When the case was taken up before the Avissawella Magistrate’s Court on Oct. 09, 2026, the defendant company pleaded guilty to the charge. The court subsequently imposed a fine of Rs. 500,000.
The CAA emphasises that consumers should be aware of the prescribed Maximum Retail Price when purchasing goods, whether from a retail shop, restaurant, hotel or amusement park. The location at which a product is sold does not, by itself, permit a trader to charge above its legally prescribed MRP.
Consumers are encouraged to check prices before purchasing goods, obtain a proper receipt and retain it safely. A receipt may serve as important evidence when reporting incidents of overcharging.