Colombo, Sri Lanka – 18 March 2025 – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), supported by the European Union (EU) and in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, successfully hosted a high-level panel discussion and media knowledge-sharing event titled “Strengthening Food Safety Control Mechanisms in Sri Lanka: Current Challenges, Collaborative Solutions, and Future Pathways.” The event marked a step towards enhancing food safety in Sri Lanka through strategic dialogue, collaborative efforts, and public advocacy.
Organized under the EU-funded BESPA Project (Mainstreaming Standards-Based Best Practices for Agri-Food Sector Development), the event supports the Government of Sri Lanka in promoting food safety, enhancing regulatory frameworks, and fostering a culture of accountability and consumer awareness. The European Union Delegation has been instrumental in advancing food safety in Sri Lanka by providing financial and technical support to enhance food safety practices and infrastructure. Through capacity-building initiatives, training programs for industry stakeholders, and public awareness campaigns, the EU has helped strengthen the expertise of food safety authorities and empowered consumers to make informed choices. This ongoing collaboration continues to foster a safer and more resilient food system for the country.
The event was inaugurated by Hon. Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Health and Mass Media, who reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to prioritizing food safety and protecting public health.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Jayatissa emphasized that food safety is not just a technical issue but a national priority requiring a multi-stakeholder approach. He highlighted the need for robust policies and effective regulatory, enforcement mechanisms, alongside active collaboration between government authorities, industry leaders, and the media. He further stressed the critical role of public awareness in shaping consumer behavior and strengthening food safety practices throughout the entire value chain. “By fostering accountability and engagement at all levels, we can build a safer, more resilient food system for Sri Lanka,” he stated.
“Ensuring food safety requires collective action and strong collaboration between the government, industry, and media. Public awareness plays a crucial role in shaping consumer behavior and strengthening food safety across the entire value chain. The United Nations remains committed to supporting Sri Lanka in advancing food safety standards and building more resilient food systems for a healthier future,” stated Mr. Marc-André Franche, UN Resident Coordinator to Sri Lanka.
The event brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from government agencies, media professionals, academia, civil society and the private sector, for meaningful dialogue on collaborative solutions for food safety challenges. Discussions emphasized the importance of public advocacy, clear communication, and stakeholder engagement to drive accountability and promote consumer rights and responsibilities.
“Improving food safety requires more than technical solutions; it demands collective action and public awareness to influence perceptions and behaviors across the entire food value chain,” noted Mr. Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
The BESPA Project champions a holistic approach to food safety reforms by empowering stakeholders, enhancing communication, and fostering collaborative partnerships. The event underscored a shared vision for safer food systems in Sri Lanka, reinforcing the commitment of FAO, the EU, and the Government of Sri Lanka to strengthening food safety legislation and improving public health outcomes.
FAO and the EU remain committed to supporting Sri Lanka in strengthening food safety governance and building a safer, more resilient food system for all.
