CAA didn’t take action against errant wholesalers in 2023

No power to act against large businesses

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) had not taken legal action any errant wholesalers in 2023, it was revealed when the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE.) met.

CAA officials told the COPE that they had no authority to act against large businesses.

CAA officials also said that the Act is being amended and that the final draft could be presented within the next six weeks.

 COPE members told CAA officials that in 2021 only one raid had been carried out against errant wholesale fertiliser traders.

That was a time when there was a serious shortage of fertiliser in the market and there were frequent complaints of market manipulation by traders. In 2022, the CAA had carried out only 20 raids against wholesale traders and in 2023 not a single raid had been carried out, COPE said.

Pradeep Kalutharaarachchi, Assistant Director (Raids and Special Investigations) claimed they have not received a single complaint against errant wholesale traders in 2023, as per section 17 of the Act.