Claiming that many business folk exploit consumers by raising the prices of essential goods every year during the festive season, the National Consumers' Front (NCF) alleged that because business folk are behind all political parties – including both the Ruling Party and the Opposition – none of them stand up for the consumer.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, NCF Leader Asela Sampath said that the prices of essential goods are increasing without any fair ground during festive seasons every year. 

“The prices of commodities such as egg, chicken, onion, coconut, and banana have all risen. This is not a one-time occurrence. This happens every year during the festive seasons. The authorities are well aware of this situation, but they do nothing to address it in advance,” he said. 

He also said that there is a need for a prompt programme to address unchecked price hikes, especially during the festive seasons. “We have seen governments introduce new sets of laws, but have any of them bothered to bring in legislation to protect consumers? No. That is because influential businessmen are behind all political parties. This is why both the Government and the Opposition remain silent on these issues affecting consumers,” he noted.

Attempts to contact the Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security R.M. Jayawardena and the Consumer Affairs Authority's Director – Consumer Affairs and Information Asela Bandara proved futile.