SriLanka, Jan. 25 -- The Colombo Additional Magistrate ordered a prominent shop owner in Colombo to pay a fine of Rs. 500,000 for selling bottled water above the government-mandated price.

The legal action follows a raid conducted by the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) investigation unit. Acting on a tip-off, undercover officers discovered that the suspect was selling 500ml drinking water bottles-which have a maximum retail price (MRP) of Rs. 70-for inflated prices of Rs. 90 and Rs. 100.

During the court proceedings, investigating officers noted that the suspect had committed an offence under several sections of the Consumer Affairs Authority Act No. 09 of 2003 and its subsequent 2021 amendments.

Specifically, the charges related to s...