Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) have identified 148 Vesak dansals operating in violation of health and safety guidelines during a special island-wide inspection programme conducted over the past three days.
Accordingly, a total of 17,761 dansals were inspected between May 29 and 31 as part of efforts to ensure food safety and public health during the Vesak festival.
The inspections revealed a number of shortcomings in 148 dansals, including failures to adhere to recommended health and hygiene standards.
However, officials did not order the closure of the affected dansals in order to avoid inconvenience to the public. Instead, organizers were instructed to immediately rectify the identified deficiencies.
Authorities said the dansals were permitted to continue operations after the necessary corrective measures had been taken.
Health officials further noted that special inspections will continue in the coming days, as Vesak zones, dansals and other festival-related events remain underway in several parts of the country.
The programme is aimed at safeguarding public health and ensuring that festival activities are conducted in accordance with approved health and safety standards.
