Fine for those who exceed MRP increased

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Cabinet of Ministers yesterday (09) approved a Cabinet Memorandum submitted by the Minister of Trade Bandula Gunawardena to increase the fine for shop owners who are sell goods exceeding the maximum retail price from Rs. 2,500 / = to Rs. 100,000, under the comsumer protection act. Minister Gunawardena stated that this decision was a historic one, against those who did not allow such amendments to be made in the past and continues to arbitrarily increase prices of goods through various regulations. Accordingly, this amount will remain as the minimum fine while and the maximum fine will be determined under the provisions of the relevant Act. The Minister further stated that there is no need to fear the fine for any reason and that the program to revise the price of rice will be implemented this season despite the fine increase. "The Government will put an end to the paddy mafia which exploits the consumers, especially in the time that the country is suffering from a global crisis. Accordingly, measures will be taken to provide consumers with a kilogram of rice for less than Rs. 100 while maintaining the guarantee price of Rs. 50 - Rs. 52 for paddy farmers." The Minister stated. Minister Gunawardena also emphasized that the possession of paddy by third parties is strictly prohibited.