Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) across the country had been assigned to report incidents of distributing artificial toddy among voters by electoral organizers in an effort to attract people to meetings and rallies of presidential candidates, PHI Union President Upul Rohana said.

Addressing the media in Colombo yesterday, Rohana said that PHIs were aware of polls monitors’ complaints that some political parties and electoral organisers supporting major presidential contenders were distributing illicit toddy at their rallies. He emphasised that the illegal posed a serious threat to public health.

“As the PHIs’ Union, we are investigating these incidents and assessing the potential harm that artificial toddy could inflict on the public. Our aim is to present a comprehensive report to the government and relevant authorities, highlighting the dangers of artificial toddy and providing recommendations,”

Rohana said, noting that PHIs, particularly those in the upcountry areas, had received complaints from tea and rubber plantation managers and owners about ill-effects of harmful brews on their workers’ health. “There has been no proper scientific study on the contents of this artificial toddy. We intend to fill that gap, and once we have gathered data on any possible harm to the public, we will take appropriate action, including bringing the matter to the attention of the relevant authorities,” Rohana added.

“Illicit toddy made with chemicals in plantation areas. The PHIs in Nuwara Eliya, Hatton, and Badulla have received complaints from estate management that the consumption of these brews have adversely impacted their workers’ health. We will begin by studying the content of the bottled toddy being sold in these areas and collecting information on the electoral organisers or other individuals distributing artificial toddy at election rallies,” he said.