The Bandarawela Magistrate’s Court has ordered a fine of Rs. 260,000 against an eatery in Ella following a Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) prosecution for overpricing bottled water and displaying expired beverages for sale.
The legal action was brought against the particular eatery after Badulla District investigation officers uncovered multiple violations during a raid conducted on October 2, 2026.
Inspectors found that the establishment was selling 1,000 ml (1-litre) bottled drinking water for Rs. 200, exceeding the mandated Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of Rs. 120 by Rs. 80 per bottle.
The CAA emphasized that the legal MRP remains unchanged regardless of venue or whether the buyer is a domestic or international tourist. Additionally, the inspection revealed six 400 ml soda bottles that had expired on September 29, 2026, displayed among other inventory for sale.
The CAA noted that merely displaying expired food and beverage items constitutes a legal offense, posing potential public health risks and undermining consumer trust.
When the case was called before the Bandarawela Magistrate’s Court on October 14, 2026, the defendant entered a guilty plea to all charges, resulting in the Rs. 260,000 fine.
Authorities stressed that operating costs do not justify exceeding price controlled limits. Furthermore, officials highlighted that poor experiences in key tourist hubs like Ella can damage both individual establishment reputations and the broader standing of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector.
The CAA continues its islandwide enforcement drives and urges the public to report pricing violations and expired stock through its 1977 consumer hotline during office hours. (Newswire)
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