HealthEconomyGeneralHOTFriday, April 10, 2026

Public Health Inspectors Launch Island-wide Festive Season Food Safety Drive

TLDR

21,796 establishments inspected by 2,300 PHIs since April 1st.
2,114 raids resulted in 1,289 lawsuits against vendors.
4,308 food items seized; 3,044 unfit items destroyed.
Similar drives planned for upcoming Vesak and Poson festivals.

Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) have initiated special island-wide operations focusing on public health and food safety during the upcoming festive season. Approximately 2,000 PHIs have been deployed across municipal and regional council levels for this initiative. Their mandate includes inspecting a wide range of establishments, from food production facilities and distribution vehicles to shops, restaurants, hotels, and markets that supply dry, ready-made, and cooked food. Actions include conducting inspections, issuing notices, taking legal action against offenders, and educating traders and event organizers on hygiene standards. A particular emphasis is placed on prepared festive foods such as sweets, cakes, and biscuits, according to officials from the Public Health Inspectors' Union of Sri Lanka.

7 Updates

Update #8\u00b7 Apr 20 · 7:49 AM

The Public Health Inspectors' (PHI) island-wide festive season food safety drive has continued, with the reported statistics now confirmed to cover operations conducted from April 1st up to April 18th. During this extended period, 21,796 food handling establishments have been inspected, 2,114 food raids conducted, and 1,289 lawsuits filed against vendors. PHIs have also taken 4,308 food items into custody, with 3,044 items deemed unfit for consumption subsequently destroyed, with approximately 2,300 PHIs continuing to participate in the ongoing drive.

Update #7\u00b7 Apr 20 · 6:34 AM

The Public Health Inspectors' (PHI) island-wide festive season food safety drive has now seen 21,796 food handling establishments inspected since its commencement on April 1st. During these operations, 2,114 food raids have been conducted, resulting in 1,289 lawsuits filed against vendors. PHIs have also taken 4,308 food items into custody, with 3,044 items deemed unfit for consumption subsequently destroyed. These updated figures, valid up to April 16th, were provided by the PHI Association, with approximately 2,300 PHIs continuing to participate in the ongoing drive.

Update #6\u00b7 Apr 19 · 6:46 AM

The Public Health Inspectors' festive season food safety drive has now seen a total of 1,963 food raids conducted. As a result of these operations, 1,109 lawsuits have been filed against vendors for various offenses. These updated figures were provided by K.A.P. Boralessa, President of the Sri Lanka Public Health Inspectors' Association.

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