Nov 30, Colombo: Sri Lanka price regulator, Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) plans to increase raids against errant traders in the market during the upcoming festive season.

Chairman of the Consumer Affairs Authority Rumy Marshook says 52 graduates will be recruited to expand the raids during the holiday season in a move to protect the rights of the consumers from unscrupulous traders.

He says that raids will be carried out on traders who have violated the Consumer Protection Act to protect the consumers.

The Authority will fine the traders selling goods at higher prices, changing the fixed price of goods, selling goods after their valid dates are expired, selling goods underweight and for failure to display price lists.

The Consumer Affairs Authority also says there is no reason for price hike of rice as there is a surplus in the market at present.