More Poson dansals registered than Vesak; PHIs warn against plastic use

Colombo, June 27 (Daily Mirror) - A higher number of Poson Dansals have been registered across Sri Lanka this year compared to Vesak, with the largest concentration reported from the North Central Province, according to the Acting Chairman of the Sri Lanka Public Health Inspectors' Association, Upul Rohana.

He said public health inspectors are carrying out special inspections to ensure food and beverages distributed at Dansals are served safely, while urging organisers to avoid using plastic and polythene.

Rohana said that serving hot drinks and food in plastic containers, as well as storing hot or cold food in polythene, poses health risks. He said special checks are being conducted on the use of plastic containers for food and beverages during Poson.

He also warned that the improper disposal of plastic and polythene used at Dansals could worsen the ongoing dengue situation.

"We have seen in the past that cups used for serving beverages, especially at coffee and beverage Dansals, are discarded everywhere. We urge organisers and the public to pay special attention to proper disposal, as these containers can collect water and become breeding grounds for dengue mosquitoes," he said.