News
SJB reveals ‘despicable practices’ of some milk powder importers
By Saman Indrajith
Matara District SJB MP Buddhika Pathirana told Parliament on Wednesday that some companies imported milk powder and dissolved them in water and released them to the market as liquid milk.
“The consumers think that they drink fresh milk while drinking milk powder dissolved in water. The yoghurt producers, too, buy them thinking that they purchase fresh milk to produce yoghurt. Parents give yoghurts to children without knowing that harmful substances that come with milk powder are there in yoghurt. This despicable practice should be stopped forthwith,” MP Pathirana said.
He said that the practice of dissolving milk powder in water was also detrimental to the interests of local dairy farmers. “I have informed this House numerous times of the harmful elements in imported milk powder. I have submitted a comprehensive report prepared by experts who tested samples of imported milk powder to find substances injurious to people’s health.”
Livestock, Farm Production and Dairy and Egg Related Industries State Minister D. B. Hearth said the government had decided to promote the consumption of fresh milk by assisting the dairy farmers and promoting the import of quality milch cows. Doctors too have informed us that milk powder is not healthy.
MP Pathirana said that local agent companies of multi-national corporations purchased the fresh milk from the local farmers but that milk would not reach the market. “Instead, these companies discard genuine liquid milk and do not let the local dairy farmers’ product reach the market because they would not be able to keep the consumers hooked to their products’ taste. The objectives of importing milch cows to promote milk industry would not be achieved. What would the government do to remedy this?”
State Minister Herath said that MP Pathirana’s statement was true as the ministry had received reports that some companies purchased fresh milk from local farmers and discarded it. “We have commenced a project with the Ministry of Trade to promote purchasing milk from farmers themselves,” he said.
MP Pathirana said that he did not get a response to his question and asked whether the government would get flying squads to visit super markets and check the standards of liquid milk being sold as fresh milk.
Minister Herath said that the matter would be referred to the Health Ministry which had the power to implement the provisions of the Food Act.
The second day of the “Vesak Bhakti Gee Saraniya”, held in parallel with the “Buddha Rashmi Vesak Kalapaya” jointly organized by the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, the Presidential Secretariat and the Prime Minister’s Office, commenced on Tuesday (13) at 6:30 p.m. under the patronage of Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, at the Presidential Secretariat premises.
The evening featured musical performances by renowned vocalist Ilyas Beg and the Sri Lanka Air Force Bhakti Gee Troup, accompanied by the Air Force Band. A Vesak lantern exhibition was also held at the venue. The event was attended by the Chief Incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero, along with several senior officials of the Presidential Secretariat.
This Bhakthi Gee programme will continue today [May 14] and tomorrow at the same location. Additionally, a short-eats dansala is being held near the Presidential Secretariat for the benefit of the public visiting Colombo for Vesak, and will continue until May 16.
Meanwhile, a ‘Buth Dansala’ organized jointly by the Presidential Secretariat and the Sri Lanka Army was inaugurated yesterday near the Presidential Secretariat, with the participation of senior military officers. A large number of devotees from across the country attended the event.
In line with the ‘Buddha Rashmi’ and ‘Bauddhaloka Vesak Kalapya’, several Vesak programmes have been organized in the vicinity with the support of the Presidential Secretariat. These include the illumination of nearby government buildings and roads with decorative lights, and the display of Vesak lanterns, with the active participation of the Presidential Secretariat staff.
[PMD]
The French Navy Ship ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ which arrived in Sri Lanka on a goodwill visit (09 May 25), departed the island on Tuesday (13 May).
The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of ‘BEAUTEMPS BEAUPRE’ visited some tourist attractions in the country. In addition, the Commanding Officer and a group of
crew members of the ship called on senior officers of the Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office (SLNHO) to discuss key hydrographic matters of bilateral importance.
News
“Clean Sri Lanka” joins hands to Improve facilities and sanitation at Kotmale Regional Hospital
Following the bus accident in the Garandiella area of Kotmale, a large number of injured individuals were admitted to the Kotmale Regional Hospital for treatment. In response, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme has collaborated to improve the facilities and sanitation of the hospital.
Accordingly, the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme actively worked to clean the hospital ward complex and the hospital premises, aiming to create a comfortable environment for the patients’ treatment and to enhance other facilities.
A notable aspect was the voluntary participation of the local community in this effort. The “Clean Sri Lanka” secretariat appreciates the dedication shown by the doctors and hospital staff of the Kotmale Regional Hospital, who provided emergency treatment to those injured in this unexpected incident despite having access to limited resources.
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