127 Atapirikara shops raided, many irregularities found

The Consumer Affairs Authority has taken legal action by raiding 127 shops that sold substandard 'atapirikara' (eight requisites for Buddhist monks) and other 'pirikara' (offerings) items during special raids conducted island-wide. Mr. Hemantha Samarakoone, Chairman of the Consumer Affairs Authority, stated that this special operation was organized to protect the rights of consumers and to ensure that relevant legal regulations are properly implemented.

Under the special program implemented on August 10th last year alone, inspectors have successfully conducted 92 raids island-wide. Including the 35 raids conducted from January to July of this year, the total number of 'atapirikara' raids reported in the year 2026 has increased to 127.

During these inspections, several serious irregularities were revealed within the 'atapirikara'. These included the inclusion of single-layered robes instead of double-layered robes, incomplete components belonging to the 'atapirikara', alteration of items that should be related to 'sila' (precepts), the presence of aluminum bowls, bowls with peeling paint or coatings, and rusted razors. Officials have taken steps to seize 436 'pirikara' items, including 'atapirikara', robes, undergarments, waistbands, and bowls, which were prepared for illegal sale.

Since consumers cannot easily identify such irregularities merely by looking at the outer packaging, the Chairman urges the public to pay special attention to the items contained within the 'atapirikara' when purchasing them for religious purposes.

The Consumer Affairs Authority is taking steps to file lawsuits against the trade establishments that violated the relevant laws in the respective Magistrate's Courts. Furthermore, plans are underway to continuously conduct such random market inspections and special raids island-wide, and if any consumer has information about such irregularities, they can inform the Consumer Affairs Authority by calling the short code 1977 during office hours.