Consumer protection
Consumer protection is a phrase that we often see and hear in the media on a daily basis.
Approximately the 7 billion people in the world are consumers in some way. They live dependent on each other. Consumption activities are carried out by us on a daily basis.
In Sri Lanka, consumers are allowed to consume good and services within their rights. Consumers have complete freedom to consume good and services which are legally recognized under the laws of the country in the pursuit of their rights.
"Why can't I buy illegal goods?" Don't ask me that ... lol.
consumers are brought under different classifications based on the good and services they can afford. For instance, the goods and services that you buy for your daily needs. These are constantly being purchased for your own needs at regular intervals. Another category is buying goods for the purpose of reselling.Thus buyers / consumers can be brought under different categories.
Regardless of the consumer; They must have sufficient information and knowledge regarding “consumer knowledge".
The purpose of this post is to share facts and information that users need to know. Either you or me, If we fail to act as a rational consumer at some point in our lives, I hope this post will help a little to prevent that from happening again.
As far as Sri Lanka is concerned, the market that both buyer and seller can meet is changing over time.The markets that were found in the time of our grandparents are slashed today. Markets where people can gather and buy goods have dwindled. In those days there were markets like “sati anthe velandapola”. Today they are changing and the growth of "online markets" is on the rise.
Consumer security is solid, regardless of the structure of the market
In Sri Lanka, Consumer Affairs Authority is the authorized body for consumer protection. Its main purpose is to safeguard the wellness of consumers.It seeks to enhance consumer wellness through consumer education, market investigation, price management and competition promotion. The most important of these is consumer education. Adequate knowledge of consumer education means that a consumer is adequately protected.
In the market, sellers always focus to maximize their profits. there are plenty of products in the market. However, consumers face a variety of fatal accidents when they do not have sufficient clarity about the ingredients of the product.Sellers do not care about the wellness of buyers or the community or the environment. Rather their purpose is to maximize profits. Ultimately what the vulnerability is is for the users.
Consumption patterns are changing fast today. When we buy goods and services it’s very important to check details before buying products. Consumers must have a sufficient knowledge of their rights.Consumer protection laws, even if the government fully implements the system; Consumers need to be aware of this. Consumer education will protect them in various purchasing environments.
Consumers should have a broad knowledge of consumer law. Click here to read more about the Consumer Law in force in Sri Lanka.
Consumer protection can be improved by knowing and acting on the rights and responsibilities of consumers.
A few consumer rights are follow...
- The right to satisfaction of basic needs
To have access to basic essential goods and services: adequate food, clothing, shelter, health care, education, public utilities, water and sanitation.
- The right to safety
To be protected, production against products, processes and services which are hazardous to health or life
- The right to be informed
To get information to make informed choice, and to be protected against dishonest of mislead advertising and labeling
- The right to choose
To be able to select from a range of products and services, offered at competitive prices with an assurance of satisfactory quality.
- The right to be heard
To have consumer interests represented in formulating and execution of government policy, and in the development of products and services
- The right to redress
To receive a fair settlement of just claims including compensation for misrepresentation, substandard goods or unsatisfactory services
- The right to consumer education
To acquire knowledge and skills needed to make informed, confident choices about goods and services, while being aware of basic consumer rights and responsibilities and how to act on them
- The right to a healthy environment
To live and work in an environment which is non-threatening to the well-being of present and future generations
It is noteworthy that the government has also set up a 24/7 telephone connection for the benefit of consumers.You can make your consumption complaints by contacting the emergency number 1919. The government is ready to provide the service for you in a short time.
Visit the Consumer Affairs Authority's website for more important information on consumer protection : http://www.caa.gov.lk
If you did learn something through out this post, then drop a like to this post and let me know by add a comment. Hope we all will be rational thinkers be aware from the fraudulence against us anymore at any point of consumption.You can click any share button below this post to share with any social media platform.
Thank you.
1 Comments
It was very Informative....
ReplyDelete