Panel discussion to strengthen Sri Lanka’s food safety well attended

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), supported by the European Union (EU) and in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, hosted a high-level panel discussion related to strengthening food safety control mechanisms in Sri Lanka. In the picture from left are Nalin Munasinghe, Assistant FAO Representative (programme), Chandana Jayantha Hewawasam, Programme Manager, Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Ministry of Health and Mass Media, Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, N.A.K.L. Wijenayake.  Additional Secretary, (development information, research and policies), Ministry of Mass Media, Tina Jayaratnam, Programme Manager, FAO Sri Lanka

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), supported by the European Union (EU) and in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, successfully hosted a high-level panel discussion and media knowledge-sharing event titled “Strengthening Food Safety Control Mechanisms in Sri Lanka: Current Challenges, Collaborative Solutions, and Future Pathways.” The event marked a step towards enhancing food safety in Sri Lanka through strategic dialogue, collaborative efforts, and public advocacy.

Organised under the EU-funded BESPA Project (Mainstreaming Standards-Based Best Practices for Agri-Food Sector Development), the event supports the Government of Sri Lanka in promoting food safety, enhancing regulatory frameworks, and fostering a culture of accountability and consumer awareness. The European Union Delegation has been instrumental in advancing food safety in Sri Lanka by providing financial and technical support to enhance food safety practices and infrastructure. Through capacity-building initiatives, training programs for industry stakeholders, and public awareness campaigns, the EU has helped strengthen the expertise of food safety authorities and empowered consumers to make informed choices. This ongoing collaboration continues to foster a safer and more resilient food system for the country.

The event was inaugurated by Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Health and Mass Media, who reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to prioritising food safety and protecting public health.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Jayatissa emphasised that food safety is not just a technical issue, but a national priority requiring a multi-stakeholder approach. He underscored the need for robust policies and effective regulatory, enforcement mechanisms, alongside active collaboration between government authorities, industry leaders, and the media. He further stressed the critical role of public awareness in shaping consumer behaviour and strengthening food safety practices throughout the entire value chain. “By fostering accountability and engagement at all levels, we can build a safer, more resilient food system for Sri Lanka,” he stated.

“Ensuring food safety requires collective action and strong collaboration between the government, industry, and media. Public awareness plays a crucial role in shaping consumer behavior and strengthening food safety across the entire value chain. The United Nations remains committed to supporting Sri Lanka in advancing food safety standards and building more resilient food systems for a healthier future,” said Marc-André Franche, UN Resident Coordinator to Sri Lanka.

“Improving food safety requires more than technical solutions; it demands collective action and public awareness to influence perceptions and behaviours across the entire food value chain,” noted Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives.