A private company linked to an amusement park in Hanwella has been fined Rs. 500,000 by the Avissawella Magistrate’s Court for selling a bottle of drinking water at Rs. 100, exceeding the government-prescribed Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of Rs. 80.
According to the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA), the fine was imposed on October 9, 2026, after the company pleaded guilty to the charge of selling bottled drinking water above the legally permitted price.
The violation was detected during a raid conducted by CAA investigation officers on August 11, 2026, at Leisure World Water Parks in Kaluaggala, Hanwella.
During the inspection, officers found that a locally bottled 500 ml drinking water bottle had been sold for Rs. 100, exceeding the prescribed MRP by Rs. 20.
Under Direction No. 96, published in Extraordinary Gazette No. 2492/29 dated June 10, 2026, issued under the Consumer Affairs Authority Act, No. 9 of 2003, the maximum retail price of locally bottled drinking water in PET containers with capacities ranging from 500 ml to 999 ml is fixed at Rs. 80.
Following the detection of the violation, the CAA instituted legal proceedings against the company before the Avissawella Magistrate’s Court.
When the case was taken up on October 9, the company pleaded guilty, following which the court imposed a fine of Rs. 500,000.
Meanwhile, the CAA reminded consumers that businesses, including retail shops, restaurants, hotels and amusement parks, are not permitted to charge above the legally prescribed MRP, regardless of where the products are sold.
Consumers have been advised to check prices before making purchases and retain receipts as evidence when reporting incidents of overcharging.
The Authority further stated that islandwide raids and investigations will continue to ensure compliance with pricing regulations and protect consumer rights.
The public has been urged to report businesses selling goods above the applicable MRP through the CAA Consumer Hotline 1977. (Newswire)
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