The Consumer Affairs Authority has conducted 127 raids this year targeting sellers of Atapirikara and Pirikara items, seizing 436 units found to have labeling violations and quality defects.
The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has intensified enforcement action against retailers selling Atapirikara and Pirikara items, launching 127 raids across Sri Lanka since the beginning of 2026. A major operation conducted on August 10 resulted in 92 successful inspections, with 35 additional raids carried out between January and July.
The enforcement campaign specifically targeted compliance with Direction No. 55, which mandates that traders provide required information on packaging and maintain proper documentation. Inspectors found widespread violations of these requirements, with traders failing to display mandatory details on robes, belts, bowls, and other religious items commonly purchased for ceremonial purposes.
Physical examination of randomly selected packages revealed serious quality concerns beyond what consumers could detect through packaging alone. Inspectors discovered single-layer robes substituted for double-layer versions, incomplete sets missing essential components, varying contents across different price points, aluminium bowls, dented or rusted items, and other defects. In total, 436 units were seized as a result of these irregularities.
The CAA emphasized that traders bear responsibility for proper labeling, product condition, and legal compliance. The authority has initiated legal proceedings against offending establishments in relevant Magistrate's Courts and plans to continue random inspections and special operations nationwide. Consumers purchasing complete sets for religious purposes are advised to inspect contents carefully, and those aware of violations can contact the CAA consumer hotline at 1977.
