The Consumer Affairs Authority reports that it has collected over 54 million rupees in fines through raids conducted so far this year.

Its Director Asela Bandara stated that these fines were imposed on 3,521 shop raids.

He added that the majority of these raids were related to rice stocks.

Accordingly, legal action has been taken against 434 shops that sold rice above the controlled price and 871 shops that did not display prices.

Meanwhile, a stock of Keeri Samba rice, allegedly prepared for illegal sale at inflated prices in a warehouse in Dangedara, Galle, was seized by officials of the Consumer Affairs Authority Galle District Unit yesterday.

They said that the raid was carried out based on information received by its officials.

During the raid, fifty-five 5kg bags of Keeri Samba rice were discovered.

The Consumer Affairs Authority also conducted raids in Nuwara Eliya yesterday to find traders selling rice at inflated prices.

Our correspondent said that the Consumer Affairs Authority took steps to file lawsuits against traders who sold rice at inflated prices and those who had not displayed price lists.