Sri Lanka, April 6 -- The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has launched a special program to safeguard consumers in view of the upcoming festive season, Chairman Hemantha Samarakoon announced.

According to the Chairman, more than 1,000 raids have been carried out since March 20, with legal action taken against offenders. He noted that over 170 traders have faced legal proceedings for offenses such as hoarding rice and selling it at inflated prices, with penalties imposed accordingly.

Samarakoon further stated that nearly 5,000 raids have been conducted so far this year as part of ongoing efforts to regulate market practices and protect consumers.

Addressing concerns over rising prices, he attributed recent increases in the cost of cert...