Sri Lanka to repeal colonial-era Bread Ordinance

The government has decided to repeal colonial-era Bread Ordinance No. 13 of 1864 and to introduce provisions under the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) Act to regulate Sri Lanka’s bread sales. 

The Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Safety Nalin Fernando on Monday sought the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers to instruct the Legal Draftsman to prepare legislation to repeal the Ordinance.

Cabinet Spokesperson Bandula Gunawardena said a conflict has arisen between the CAA Act and the Bread Ordinance. Hence, he noted that the government has decided to repeal the Ordinance and introduce provisions under the CAA Act to maintain standards and protect the consumer. 

The Bread Ordinance was enacted in 1864 to regulate the sale of bread and to prevent the mixing of spoiled flour with bread that is sold.