Serve hot beverages, not soft drinks at Dansals: Health Ministry

By Sheain Fernandopulle

The Ministry of Health has urged Vesak Dansal organisers to serve hot beverages such as tea and coffee instead of soft drinks, warning of a higher risk of waterborne diseases linked to soft drink Dansals.   

Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena said contaminated water used in preparing cold beverages could increase the spread of 

infectious diseases.   

He appealed to organisers to promote safer and healthier Dansals by offering hot drinks instead, especially amid reports of infectious diseases spreading in some parts of the country.   

Dr. Gunawardena said the request was made considering the prevailing spread of infectious diseases reported in some parts of the country.   

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Mass Media has also released several contact numbers for organisers to coordinate with Medical Officer of Health (MOH) offices and Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) regarding the safe organisation of Dansals. Colombo Municipal Council area: Chief Public Health Inspector T.H.V.C. Vithanage – 0776 697 674.   

Other areas: Assistant Director of the Central Food Control Unit K.K.L. Jayalal – 0779 191 010.   

Other coordination matters: Health Education Officer Janaka Suneth Bandara – 0714 327 387.   

For inquiries and coordination during government office hours (8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.): News and Publicity Division, Ministry of Health and Mass Media – 0112670182.