March 16, Colombo (LNW): In commemoration of World Consumer Rights Day on March 15, a new initiative has been unveiled under the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme, aimed at fostering greater awareness and driving a positive shift in attitudes towards consumer rights protection across the nation.
A key discussion regarding this initiative took place at the Presidential Secretariat, led by Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President.
The meeting saw the active participation of representatives from various government ministries, including those responsible for Health and Agriculture, reported the President’s Media Division (PMD).
Dr. Kumanayake underscored the importance of translating existing policies into tangible actions, especially those related to ensuring that citizens have access to food that is not only safe but also of the highest quality.
He highlighted the pressing need for a robust framework to safeguard consumers’ rights, particularly in the area of food safety, as well as the role of both the public and private sectors in upholding these standards.
The meeting delved into a wide-ranging discussion focused on the practical steps needed to ensure that food products meet stringent health and safety regulations.
Participants explored methods to improve compliance with health standards while boosting consumer confidence.
Furthermore, the integration of the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative with ongoing government efforts to regulate and certify food-related businesses was a key point of the dialogue.
In particular, attention was given to how the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme can work in tandem with the Ministry of Agriculture’s National Policy framework. Discussions centred on how to guarantee the safety and proper storage of agricultural products, which are crucial components of the national food supply.
Also addressed were existing regulations regarding restaurant certifications, the registration and regulation of street vendors, as well as the oversight of food trucks and other informal food establishments.
There was a consensus that these regulations must be enforced more effectively to protect consumers and maintain high standards within the food industry.
Moreover, there was a collective emphasis on the importance of strengthening the training of personnel in the food industry, which is seen as vital to improving food safety and quality assurance across the country.
The meeting was attended by a range of senior government officials, including G.M.R.D. Apponsu, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, S.P.C. Sugiswara, Additional Secretary to the President, and representatives from various ministries and institutions. These included the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, as well as key departments such as the Department of Food Commissioner, Department of Agriculture, and Consumer Affairs Authority. Representatives from the Sri Lanka Standards Institution, National Medicines Regulatory Authority, and other regulatory bodies also contributed to the discussions.
