Protection Act in two weeks to protect consumers

33Trade, Commerce and Food Safety Minister Nalin Fernando said that steps will be taken to submit the amendments to the Consumer Protection Act to Parliament within the next two weeks to protect consumers.

The current consumer law in the country has not been amended for the past 20 years. Pointing out this in the House, the Minister informed the House that the approval of the Cabinet has been obtained by making changes in the existing law and now it has been sent to the attention of the Attorney General.

The Minister said this while replying to a question raised by Sumit Udukumpura MP in the Parliament yesterday. During his questioning, the prices of various commodities including fuel have decreased.

However, this does not translate to consumers. He asked the minister what action has been taken in this regard.

The Minister further informed in this regard that the prices of essential commodities are decreasing now. The government has taken steps for this.

However, there is a lack of officers in the Investigation Division of the Consumer Authority. There are currently 277 officers in service nationwide.

Steps have been taken to add more investigation officers to address this situation. This action can be carried out within the next two months. As extensive market activities are taking place in the country, injustice to the consumers can be seen.