Colombo, March 13 -- More than 5,500 shops have been raided for selling rice above the maximum retail price as of March 12, and legal action has been taken against 4,070 traders for violations, the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) said.

Among these, legal action was taken against 1,555 traders specifically for rice-related offences.

This includes 462 vendors who sold rice at inflated prices, 1,004 vendors who failed to display prices and 89 vendors who hoarded rice and refused to sell.

As of March 12, cases have been filed against 4,122 vendors, with fines totaling Rs. 61 million imposed by the courts.

During investigations conducted yesterday at 139 shops across the island, legal action was taken against 10 traders in Wattala, Matug...