The Hon. Upali Samarasingha — Deputy Minister of Co‑operative Development

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co‑operative Development, I answer as follows:

¶ 02 (a)(i) Yes. (a)(ii) Yes.

¶ 03 (b)(i) Yes. Ensuring consumer protection amidst current economic conditions and market activities is a primary objective of the Ministry. The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA), established under the Ministry, intervenes not only to protect consumers against unfair practices but also to safeguard the rights of traders. Under the Consumer Affairs Authority Act, No. 9 of 2003, powers over goods and certain specified services are vested in the Authority (Consumer Affairs and Information Division). It is Government policy to better protect consumers through regulation of trade and of prices of goods and services, while arranging measures to protect traders and producers against unfair and restrictive trade practices. Accordingly, the Ministry has taken the following measures:

¶ 04 - Safety of food released to the market for consumption is regulated by the Food Control Administration Unit under the Ministry of Health. However, it has been reported that some traders sell food lacking in quality and standards. - The CAA enforces mandatory standards and conducts raids to detect traders selling substandard goods, and initiates legal action as necessary, to prevent unfit goods entering the market. - Public Health Inspectors (PHIs), operating under the Ministry of Health, inspect the quality and condition of goods sold to consumers. - The CAA conducts continuous public awareness programmes on quality of goods and Labelling Regulations. - Gazette notifications are being prepared on standards and packaging for coconut oil; standards for ancillary parts and accessories related to LP gas; issues related to soap packaging; and matters concerning CFL/LED bulbs. - There is at present no dedicated authority/institution established to regulate quality, standards and legal aspects of cosmetics such as skin whitening creams and hair creams; this is a notable gap. Nevertheless, the CAA coordinates with the Ministry of Health to intervene as required. - A Gazette notification has been issued on the quality and standards of polythene bags, food packaging bags, baby feeding bottles and drinking water bottles. - Since essential goods have been observed to be sold at different price points in the market, to prevent such situations and protect consumers, a Gazette has been issued prescribing maximum retail/wholesale prices for several items (e.g., rice, canned fish, bottled drinking water). - Work is ongoing with relevant institutions to mandate standards for sensitive goods to further protect consumers.

¶ 05 (b)(ii) Not applicable.