Minister of Consumer Affairs, Nalin Fernando has instructed the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) to take legal action against a vendor in Colombo’s street food market and an eatery owner in Kalutara who abused tourists and also sold them food items at over 100% of the market price.
An official of the CAA told ‘Sunday Observer Business’ that subsequent to the Keselwatta Police apprehending the street food owner who abused a tourist, the Kalutara South Police too has taken action arresting the three-wheel driver in Kalutara who made a ‘quick buck’, by selling a vadai at Rs. 800 which is over 100% of the market price.
He said that they will also speak to the two foreigners (including a YouTuber) involved in the incident and update them on the follow up of what we are doing so that they don’t take a bad sentiment against Sri Lanka.
Minister Nalin Fernando has said that at a time when tourism is picking up, tough action should be taken against three wheel drivers and errand traders who exploit tourists and make undue profits and create a bad image on Sri Lanka.
The news item drew a tremendous response after a local TV station highlighted this.
“Negative sentiments posted by tourists on social media can be very damaging and we must stop them from happening again by disciplining traders,” the Minister Fernando told the CPA.
In contrast to the action taken by the CAA, the Ministry of Tourism is yet to update the industry/media as to what action they have taken in this regard.
