Sri Lanka Bottled Water Association vs Consumer Affairs Authority and others – CA Writ 281/2014-2025

This case involves three Petitioner Associations, representing manufacturers of bottled water, beverages, and cosmetics, challenging Direction No. 49, issued by the Consumer Affairs Authority. The Petitioners argued that the direction, mandating a ‘security stamp’ for certain products, was ultra vires, lacked legislative authority, and imposed an illegal levy. The court found the direction to be ultra vires and in violation of Article 148 of the Constitution.

Dhammika Ganepola, J. addressed the application challenging Direction No. 49, dated February 24, 2014, which mandated a ‘security stamp’ for various products. The Petitioners argued that the direction was issued without prior notice, lacked legislative authority, and imposed an illegal levy. It was revealed that a foreign company,