By Roy Denish
An Ella bottled water fine of Rs. 1 million was imposed after a restaurant admitted selling a one-litre bottle for twice the legal MRP.
BANDARAWELA – A restaurant operating in the popular tourist destination of Ella has been ordered to pay a Rs. 1 million fine after pleading guilty to selling bottled drinking water above the legally mandated Maximum Retail Price (MRP).
The case, brought by the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA), centred on an inspection carried out at Mandala Cafe & Bar (Pvt) Ltd, located at No. 18, Railway Station Road, Ella.
During the inspection, enforcement officers discovered that the establishment was selling a one-litre bottle of drinking water for Rs. 200. At the time, the legal MRP for a one-litre bottle was Rs. 100, as stipulated by Order No. 93 under Extraordinary Gazette No. 2430/15, which came into effect on April 1, 2025.
When the matter was taken up before the Bandarawela Magistrate’s Court on September 23, 2026, the defendant company pleaded guilty to the charges. Following the plea, the presiding magistrate imposed a fine of Rs. 1 million.
Important Updates on Maximum Retail Prices
While the violation occurred under a previous gazette directive, the CAA has reminded both consumers and traders that pricing regulations have since been updated.
Under the currently enforced Extraordinary Gazette No. 2492/29, dated June 10, 2026, the revised maximum retail prices for locally packaged bottled drinking water are as follows:
500 ml to 999 ml: Rs. 80
1 L to 1.499 L: Rs. 120
1.5 L to 1.999 L: Rs. 150
2 L to 2.499 L: Rs. 180
5 L to 6.999 L: Rs. 400
Authorities Issue Strict Warning to Businesses
The CAA has emphasised that operating a business in a prime tourist area or high-demand location does not provide an exemption from national price controls.
Hospitality providers, including tourist hotels, restaurants, cafes, and resorts, are prohibited from charging above the established MRP for regulated commodities.
Consumers are strongly encouraged to verify bottle sizes and applicable maximum prices before making purchases and to request a valid receipt or bill as proof of the amount charged.
Market irregularities, including the overpricing of bottled water or other controlled items, can be reported directly to the Consumer Affairs Authority through its 1977 hotline during standard office hours.
