- Two CAA officers per large-scale rice mill, to ‘closely observe’
- Says raids may follow based on initial reports
The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has deployed compliance officers to monitor the production and distribution of rice at large-scale rice mills following a meeting held last week between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Trade Ministry officials, and rice mill owners.
During the meeting, President Dissanayake directed rice traders to sell Nadu rice at a wholesale price of Rs. 225 per kilogram and a retail price of Rs. 230 per kilogram. He further instructed the CAA to monitor the situation for the next 10 days and take strict action against rice mill owners who fail to comply with the fixed prices.
Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (8), CAA Director of Consumer Affairs and Information Asela Bandara said that two compliance officers had been assigned to each large-scale rice mill to closely observe the production and distribution processes.
"We deployed two officers for each large-scale rice mill from today (8). They will monitor the process closely and make a report. The reports will be sent to the President and the relevant authorities to take a decision," Bandara explained.
He further added that the CAA would act on instructions given by the President and Trade Ministry officials based on the findings of the reports. “The decision of raids will be taken after examining the details provided by the reports of the CAA officers. We (CAA) are ready to initiate actions directed by the authorities,” Bandara stated.
President Dissanayake had reportedly criticised rice mill owners for frequently changing rice prices, which has created difficulties for consumers. He instructed the CAA to closely monitor the daily rice production and distribution to prevent unfair price hikes. The President also urged rice traders to work with the Government to resolve rice-related issues in an amicable manner. The current measures are aimed at stabilising rice prices and ensuring fair trade practices across the market.