Chairman's message

Being the regulator for the regulation of trade under Part II of the Consumer Affairs Authority Act No. 9 of 2003, the mandate of the CAA is extremely difficult to perform due to the restrictions and high expectations.

One of the main duties of the CAA as the regulator is to act under Section 18 to approve or increase the prices of certain products which are published in the Govt. Gazette as prescribed goods or services by the Minister. In this instance the Board acts as an independent regulator and arbitrator and is expected to listen to all the parties and to act based on natural justice considering all the circumstances.

At the same time it is our duty to make public and consumers aware of their rights, duties and current situation as prescribed by the Act. In the Consumer Page we afford the opportunity for all the parties to air their views and we use our "Good Office" while maintaining our independence in the capacity of a regulator. The Board may delegate powers of regulation for some Members of the Board.

We wish to identify certain items and areas every week in this exercise in order to achieve the objectives of the Consumer Affairs Authority.

We invite criticism suggestions and proposals to improve the project of awareness. Considering today's topic, there should be a short term and long term strategy in the use of LP gas. Short term strategy may be to look for some other source of energy and the minimization of the use of LP gas because every drop of gas consumed is our money.

Invite OPA and scientists in Sri Lanka and the world over and invited to find alternative energy such as bio-gas, energy from waste, solar energy, etc. At the same time use of pressure cookers is a good idea as it consume less gas. Advising the people in rural areas not to use LP gas is good but there should be the maintainance of ecological balance. Eg. One can use treated firewood or cow dung in such areas.

Long term strategy is to encourage competition and introduce new players with the intention of using 'Good Office' to find cheaper areas and to draw up a national plan for energy. These are only propositions as our mandate as a regulatory body is restricted. Also we are bound to maintain confidentiality, up to 5/57 of CAA.

We also invite the public to associate with us in the following programmes organised by the Consumer Affairs Authority:

International Women's day - Maharagama - 8.3.2006 at the President's College.

World Consumer Day - 15.3.2006 at John De Silva Theatre

Consumer Flag Day Consumer Walk - From CAA office situated at CWE Secretariat, 27, Vauxhall Street to Town Hall.

Inauguration of the Web site and other programmes including drama and essay competitions for the children. Public is most welcome to take part in these projects. Please help u to help you.
Sarath Wijesinghe, Chairman, CAA.
