W.G.S.L. Wasala vs. Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka Ltd. – SC APPEAL NO. 74/2014-2023

In the case between W.G.S.L. Wasala (Public Health Officer, acting as complainant) and Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka Ltd. (accused manufacturer), the court addressed the issue of whether manufacturing and distribution activities fall within the scope of the Food (Labelling and Advertising) Regulations 2005 and the extent of liability for improper food labeling. The court held that liability under the relevant regulations does not extend to the manufacturer for labelling defects, but rather addresses the responsibilities of sellers once the product leaves the manufacturer’s control. This reaffirmed the principle that statutory interpretation must conform with both legislative intent and practical enforcement realities in the context of food safety regulation. The decision relied on provisio