Cleaning up the dansalas

It's Vesak once again - celebrating the birth, enlightenment and passing away of the Buddha. This is also a time for giving. According to Buddhist precepts giving of alms is a meritorious act.

Many Buddhists observe sil during the two days of Vesak and refrain from consuming food, except at specified times, while others indulge in visiting dansalas (No English equivalent is found. . It is the hall or area where food is distributed free so that people could have a sit-down meal) and eat a reasonably hearty meal. Some dansalas serve a thirst quencher - such as a drink made out of cordial, coffee, tea or even an ice cream to crowds that move around viewing the gaily decorated pandals.

Voluntary movement

Many young Buddhists have evolved a voluntary movement to organise, cook and serve meals to those who stand in never-ending queues to consume the food that is served.

In many instances, these meals are served by energetic young men and women who run it with contributions made by the neighourhood and other charitable patrons.Over a period of time this concept has expanded all over the country, more so in urban and semi-urban areas. Since a dansala caters to a large number of people, it is crucial to maintain hygienic standards while cooking and serving food.

In this context the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) recently made it mandatory for all Vesak dansalas to register with the CMC if it is, to operate within the Colombo Municipality area during the Vesak season.

This requirement is nothing new. The regulation was introduced many moons ago but was observed in the breach.

The dansalas must register with the Municipality's registering authority. Whether the hoards of small scale dansalas, which mushroom in congested areas, year after year register with the authorities.

The Chief Medical Officer of the Colombo Municipal Council, Dr. Ruwan Wijeyamuni told the Sunday Observer, "That although it is compulsory to register dansalas operating within the CMC city limits and organizers had to get prior permission to put up dansals, it was not monitored properly".

Haphazard manner

"In the past, many organizers overlooked the rules and organized dansals in a haphazard manner without observing any hygienic standards. The authorities were also to blame because they did not pay much attention and consequently the rules were flouted.

"This time around we hope to closely monitor all dansalas and observe how hygienically food is prepared and served. This time we will be strict and every dansala will have to meet the required hygienic standards before they serve food," Dr. Wijayamuni said, adding this measure was being taken not as a means to discourage young people from organizing dansalas but as a preventive measure to halt any unfortunate health impact on the people because large quantities of food were prepared and served and to ensure food safety during the Vesak season".

Registration processss

Dr. Wijayamuni said, "It is a simple process of registration facilitated by the CMC free of charge. Dansal organizers can get details of the process on the CMC hotline, 0112696594 and contact the Chief Public Health Inspector (PHI), Kandula Wickramasinghe.

"On the registration form there are several compulsory details, which should be provided by the organizers regarding the type of food or beverage that they intend serving.

This information will be given to the relevant area PHI and MOH and they will visit every dansal in their areas and keep a close watch on these dansals and supervise the entire process throughout the Vesak season.

"It is an additional service that the CMC has implemented free of charge to ensure food safety during this period. The reason behind this is to create awareness among dansal organizers and to alert them about health and sanitary regulations.

"Since operating a dansal is a collective effort, many people are involved in collecting the goods and the method of preparation is important. This is a measure to monitor food safety during this time because thousands of people visit Colombo from the outstations during Vesak.

Many of them consume food from these dansalas and there could be an outbreak of food poisoning if they do not adhere to strict hygienic standards.

"Another important aspect is to make sure that solid waste management is handled in a proper manner during and after the Vesak period. So far the response is quite impressive and people who are organizing dansals are keen to register and know about the safety regulations.

"I think it will be a successful implementation and we look forward to facilitate a good service from our end," Dr. Wijayamuni said.

There are more than 200 PHIs deployed around the country to ensure a smooth monitoring process. Nearly 40 PHIs are being employed for Colombo city alone because Colombo is the main hub where many dansalas come up during this season. Dr. Wijayamuni has instructed other Municipalities to follow in a similar manner and monitor dansalas in their areas and take action against those who flout the law.

Should maintain proper standards

Galaboda Gnanessara Thero: "There are many reasons behind organizing dansals. Some organize them with a religious intention, as alms giving during this time is a considered a meritorius deed..

Some organize dansalas just to gain publicity, or for a business purpose or it could be just plain fun where the young people get a kick out of organizing a dansala. Whatever the reason is, people organizing dansals should maintain proper standards and check out the quality of food that is served to the public.

I appreciate the decision taken by the CMC to implement a proper process for dansalas. The policy shouldn't be restricted only to Colombo but should be implemented islandwide,

It is the paramount duty of the CMC to maintain standards where food and beverage is concerned to ensure public safety. Canteens and restaurants in Colombo and other parts of the country should be monitored and strict health standards should be adopted. There are instances where eateries and canteens even within the city limits are unhygienic and serve low quality food.

We relish food served in the dansalas

M. A. Piyasena: We relish food served in the dansalas as they have a flavour all their own. It cannot be matched by any of the eateries serving food in and around Colombo. The aroma that emanates from a dansala is unimaginable and the food tastes so good. I and my family look forward to the Vesak season just to go and eat the food that is served in them. We don't bother about how or where it is cooked, we just wait for this time. The decision the CMC has taken to monitor dansalas is good to ensure food safety.It is important to implement this system in other cities as well.

Always registered with the CMC

Shelton Fernando: We have organized many dansalas in the past few years and we have always taken permission and registered with the CMC. What is more, a PHI comes to inspect the dansala while it is operating. However, this decision taken on the part of the CMC is a good decision. It is important to maintain the quality of food and beverages served to the public.

Food safety is crucial

Nalika Damayanthi: It is vital to pay attention to the hygienic condition of food and beverages offered in dansals, because this food is consumed not only by adults but also by children. Food safety is crucial and I think it is a good that the CMC will ensure that dansal organizers will look into hygienic preparations before they serve food in dansalas.

Use clean 'drinkable' water

Prabhath Chandana: During Vesak many people frequent 'drink' dansalas because of the thirst they experience after walking around the city viewing pandals. The soft drinks that are served are made using essences and water. It is important that they use clean 'drinkable' water.Otherwise people are bound to fall ill after consuming the 'drinks'.