Dansala registration begins for Vesak, Poson; Health guidelines issued

Colombo, May 4 (Daily Mirror) - The Sri Lanka Public Health Inspectors' Association announced that registration of dansalas for the upcoming Vesak and Poson festivals has commenced islandwide.

Speaking to the media, spokesperson for the PHIs' Association  Anura Thilakasiri said that the Ministry of Health and Mass Media has issued a set of nine guidelines to ensure public health and safety.

He said that it is mandatory for all dansala organisers to register with the Public Health Inspector (PHI) in their respective areas. 
Organisers must provide details such as the location of the dansala, organiser information and contact numbers. Officials will then inspect the site to assess food safety and hygiene conditions.

According to instructions issued by the Director General of Health Services, food prepared at dansalas must be served within four hours.

Organisers are also required to provide handwashing facilities and avoid direct hand contact with food by using gloves or proper utensils.

The use of printed newspapers for food packaging has been strictly prohibited due to health risks. Authorities warned that chemicals in newspaper ink can contaminate food and cause health issues.

In addition, water used at dansalas must be from a safe source such as tap water or certified drinking water. Proper waste management systems must also be in place at all dansala locations.

The Ministry said strict legal action will be taken against those who fail to follow these guidelines under the Food Act No. 26 of 1980 and the Food Safety Regulations of 2011.

Thilakasiri urged organisers to follow the guidelines to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the public.