The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) seized cosmetics worth nearly Rs. 10 million during a raid on a warehouse on Pettah’s main street on April 9.
Acting on a tip from the Police Special Unit, CAA officials confiscated a consignment of imported skin-whitening creams and lotions that lacked legally required labelling — including manufacture and expiry dates, manufacturer’s name, and importer details.
Authorities confirmed the goods were intercepted before reaching the retail market. Samples from 13 different brands have been sent for laboratory testing, and further legal proceedings are expected.
The raid is part of a broader pre-Avurudu enforcement wave by the CAA. In recent days the authority has raided rice mills in Dambulla for hoarding ahead of the festive season, penalised shops in Kegalle for overpricing rice, and shut down an unlicensed ayurvedic cream factory in Matale.
The enforcement drive comes as consumer demand surges ahead of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year on April 13–14.
