Sri Lanka has officially launched its first National Food Safety Policy, aimed at enhancing public health, strengthening food systems, and supporting economic growth through a coordinated and risk-based approach to food safety. The initiative was developed with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the European Union (EU), under the leadership of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media through its Food Control Administration Unit (FCAU).
The new policy establishes a comprehensive national framework designed to ensure safe, healthy, and high-quality food for all citizens. It also seeks to improve coordination among various institutions responsible for food safety across the entire food supply chain, from production to consumption.
Although Sri Lanka already has legal provisions regulating food safety, officials acknowledged that the country previously lacked a unified policy to guide and harmonize efforts across different sectors and agencies. The policy aims to fill this gap by providing strategic direction on several fronts, including governance strengthening, surveillance system enhancement, improved risk assessment and communication, expanded laboratory capacity, and stronger food safety legislation. Additionally, it promotes increased awareness among producers, food businesses, and consumers about the importance of food safety.
Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, described the adoption of the policy as a crucial advancement for Sri Lanka’s food safety system. He emphasized that creating a clear national framework focused on prevention, scientific risk management, and cross-sector collaboration will help ensure safer food for the population while boosting the competitiveness of the country’s agri-food sector.
The European Union’s role in supporting the policy was highlighted by Dr. Johann Nesse, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. He noted that robust food safety systems are essential not only for protecting public health but also for sustainable economic development. The policy was developed with assistance from the EU-funded BESPA programme, which aims to establish modern, risk-based food safety governance in Sri Lanka.
Moving forward, implementation of the National Food Safety Policy will be reinforced by a proposed amendment to the Food Act. This legislative update is expected to provide a stronger legal framework for food safety control throughout the country, facilitating effective enforcement and coordination among responsible authorities.