National Nutrition Societies in every district

by Joseph Anthony, Dehiowita Special Cor.

Sabaragamuwa PC Chief Minister Maheepala Herath told the inaugural meeting of the Sabaragamuwa Province Nutrition Committee at the auditorium that complaints have been received against certain tea factories that they are selling adulterated tea for the consumption of the public.

They are mixing some chemicals into the tea to increase its flavour.

He thanked the Consumer Services Protection Authority officials for taking action against such unscrupulous factory owners.

He said that President Mahinda Rajapaksa is the Chairman of National Nutrition Society and 16 ministers and the Chief Ministers of the provinces are the members.

The secretary to the president is the secretary to the society. Steps are being taken to set up such nutrition societies in other districts.

The Chief Cinister said that Sabaragamuwa Province is placed in a better position where the infants mortality is concerned. But we cannot be complacent with the death rate of mothers, infants and youth due to malnutrition.

He cautioned the people about consuming adulterated food with poisonous substances by certain traders. He advised them to consume cow milk and popularise milk drinking.

He instructed the health officials to check school canteens and eating houses in the state sector.

Sabaragamuwa Provincial Director of Health Services, Dr. Kapila Kannangara said that of the 25 districts in the country the Kalutara district is on top where consumption of nutritious food is concerned. The worst affected district is Kilinochchi. Kegalle takes the 5th place while Ratnapura is pushed to 13.