By The Pulseline News Desk
The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has intensified its crackdown on pharmacies across Sri Lanka, carrying out 471 special inspection raids so far this year as authorities move to curb the sale of expired medicines and other unsafe consumer products.
The latest islandwide operation, conducted on August 3 and 4, saw CAA officials inspect 109 pharmacies, uncovering 86 violations ranging from the sale of expired pharmaceutical products to failures in providing mandatory consumer information.
According to the Authority, the recent raids form part of a broader enforcement drive that has gathered momentum in 2026. Between January 1 and June 30 alone, officials inspected 362 pharmacies across the country, bringing the total number of special pharmacy inspections conducted this year to 471.
The inspections have already resulted in legal action, with court proceedings concluding in fines totalling Rs. 2.27 million against offenders.
The CAA has said investigators had detected a range of consumer protection violations, including the sale of expired medicines and pharmaceutical products, medicines without legally required consumer information, breaches of labelling regulations, and offences involving medical devices, baby care products and other consumer goods sold through pharmacies.
Among the items seized during the raids were expired medicines, tablets, injections, syringes, creams, pregnancy test kits, baby products, medical devices and several other consumer products deemed unfit for sale. These items are expected to be produced before the relevant Magistrate’s Courts as part of ongoing legal proceedings.
The latest operation comes amid increased regulatory scrutiny of Sri Lanka’s pharmaceutical sector, with authorities seeking to strengthen oversight following a series of enforcement actions targeting consumer safety.
The CAA has repeatedly urged pharmacy owners and retailers to ensure that all products offered for sale comply with consumer protection laws, warning that businesses found selling expired or improperly labelled products will face legal action.
The Authority has also encouraged consumers to remain vigilant when purchasing medicines and medical products, advising them to check expiry dates, packaging and product information, and to report suspected violations to the CAA.
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