Joint committees will be set up at public health inspector division-levels to conduct inspections on state and private-sector food outlets in the Sabaragamuwa Province to ensure that they conform to hygienic standards and stipulations, Sabaragamuwa Governor Dhamma Dissanayake said.
He disclosed this at a meeting attended by PHIs from the Ratnapura and Kegalle districts, at the Provincial Health Services Director’s Office auditorium on January 29. The Governor, who said that this would involve the setting up of 188 such committees, added that each such committee would include a PHI, a representative of the police, Grama Niladhari, Development officer, Agricultural Inspector, and a representative each from the local council and civil organisations.
Stern legal action would be taken against institutions found responsible for selling food unfit for consumption during raids conducted by their respective committees.
The Governor said he was startled to read a recent news item about the serving of a weevil-infested chicken curry at a wedding in Embilipitiya. He was thankful to the media institution which highlighted this for public attention.
Although the Sabaragamuwa Province had 188 PHI divisions, only 149 divisions had PHIs manning them, it was highlighted at this meeting. The Governor directed officials present to ensure that the existing 29 vacancies for PHIs were filled forthwith.
Provincial Chief Secretary D.M. Malini, Governor’s Secretary Herath P. Kularatne, Provincial Health Ministry Secretary Sriyani Padmalatha, Provincial Health Services Director Dr. Kapila Kannangara and other officials attended the meeting.
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