Sri Lanka’s Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) hit more than 10000 raids in the first half (1H) of 2016 –and increased its fine collections by a strong 55%, latest data showed.

According to the CAA data of July, raids conducted by the CAA teams from January to June this year totalled 10146 and is steady- showing only a marginal decline from 2015’s First Half (1H) total of 10162.

This year 1H’s highest monthly raids are reported in the pre-New Year season; in March at 1874 while the lowest raids (2016 1H) took place in June-at 1468.

A similar monthly pattern was seen in last year raids as well.

The three leading regions this year are Districts of Kurunegala (1464 raids), Kegalle (1305 raids) and Kandy (1286 raids). The lowest raids this year has been reported from Hambantota District (680).

This year 1H’s collected total fines were Rs 45.7 Million-a strong 55% increase from last year 1H’s Rs 29.3 Million. Districts of Colombo (Rs 4.1 Mn), Jaffna (Rs 3 Mn) and Kurunagala (Rs 3 Mn) topped this year’s fines list while Hambanthota (Rs 1 Million), being the lowest.

Vavuniya is at exact mid-spot with Rs 2.1 Million fines.

Among the offences on which raids were made are sale of food products not fit for consumption, non-display of prices and not issuing warranties for electrical items.