The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has confiscated a stock of Keeri Samba rice worth over Rs. 3.8 million.

 The stocks were officially seized today (March 18) following a legal case against two shop officials in Colombo 12.

On February 11, the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court (No. 5) fined shop owner Abdul Jabbar Mohamed Siyas and manager Kuruppan Murugayya Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 20,000, respectively, after they pleaded guilty to hoarding rice. 

The case was filed after a raid conducted by the CAA revealed that the shop falsely claimed to be out of Kiri Samba rice, despite hiding 3,000 five-kilogram packs on the premises.

Under the Consumer Affairs Authority Act, when a retailer is found guilty of falsely declaring goods unavailable, the court has the authority to confiscate the stock.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that the trade union actions by healthcare professionals cannot be justified, considering that the largest salary increase in history granted by a government without any demands or pressure from professional associations has already been implemented.

The President made these remarks during a meeting held today (19) at the Presidential Secretariat with the Public Services United Nurses Union (PSUNU).

President Anura Kumara Disanayake highlighted that despite operating within a constrained economic framework, the government has prioritized increasing the basic salaries of public sector employees in this year’s budget. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of the public service, attract skilled professionals, and ensure the sustainability of the sector.

The President stated that salaries have been increased under six key categories in the budget. These include a minimum increase of Rs. 15,000 in the basic salary, an increment in overtime and holiday allowances, an 80% increase in salary increments, an upward revision of pension benefits in line with the revised total salary, and an increase in the taxable income threshold.

Officials from the PSUNU expressed their appreciation for the salary increments, highlighting that they have been well received by a significant portion of the public sector workforce. They also brought to the President’s attention the existing challenges within the nursing profession and requested prompt solutions to address these issues.

The meeting was attended by the Chancellor of the University of Colombo, Chief Sanganayaka of Western Province, the Chairman of PSUNU Most Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake along with several officials from the PSUNU.

(President’s Media Division)

Maria Benanza, a German national who recently acquired Sri Lankan citizenship, has deposited her nomination to contest as an independent candidate in the 2025 Local Government elections.

She will be running for a seat in the Galewela Pradeshiya Sabha and has expressed her intention to contest as a means of contributing to positive change in Sri Lanka.