By Ajith Siriwardana  

The Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) has informed officials of the Health Ministry to conduct an immediate and comprehensive inspection regarding the harmful substances in food including imported food items such as coconut oil, given that such authority is vested with the Ministry of Health.  

The Chairman of the Committee on Public Accounts Prof. Tissa Vitharana informed the officials that laboratory facilities for food testing should be improved and the laws pertaining to food security should be amended expeditiously.  

State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna, the former COPA Chairman pointed out that the situation has worsened due to the lack of proper coordination among food testing laboratories.  

It was discussed at the COPA meeting that a number of issues are currently arising due to the non-implementation of a proper programme for food security in the country.  

MP Harini Amarasuriya emphasised on the fact that cosmetics imported into the country contain highly harmful chemicals. The Committee was of the view that it was very important to formulate a proper regulatory system for the importation of beauty products and instructed the officials of the Ministry of Health to take immediate action in this regard.  

Given that the rules of the Ministry of Health are in force for food, the Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Tissa Vitharana emphasised the need to take immediate action to check the quality of food.