Colombo, Oct. 18 (Daily Mirror) - Digital registration of fruit traders has commenced in Anuradhapura under the national “Poison-free Fruits for Children” programme, as authorities prepare to take strict legal action against those using unsafe and unapproved methods to artificially ripen fruits from April 2027.
The initiative was launched on October 16, in conjunction with World Food Day, with the aim of raising awareness among fruit traders, producers and farmers about scientifically approved and safe fruit-ripening methods.
The programme seeks to protect consumers, particularly children, from potential health risks associated with the use of unauthorised chemicals and improper practices in artificial fruit ripening.
As part of the initiative, authorities have begun digitally registering fruit traders in the Anuradhapura district to establish a database containing information on those engaged in the trade.
The national programme, announced on October 1 to mark World Children's Day, will focus on awareness, technical training and financial assistance to help traders and producers adopt safer practices before enforcement measures come into effect.
Planned measures include providing technical knowledge on approved fruit-ripening methods, practical training on the correct use of authorised chemicals and financial support to facilitate compliance with health and safety requirements.
The National Post-Harvest Technology Management Institute is serving as the technical partner of the programme.
The event was attended by Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe, Institute Chairman Professor Rohitha Prashantha, Chief Agronomist of the Mahailuppallama Field Crops Research and Development Institute Dr Priyanga Dissanayake, Consumer Affairs Authority Director General Samantha Karunaratne and the Chairman of the Consumer Council.
Anuradhapura District Secretary Ranjith Wimalasuriya, the Additional District Secretary, the Mayor of the Anuradhapura Municipal Council, representatives of Medical Officer of Health offices and Divisional Secretariats, the Chairman of the Thambuttegama Economic Centre and officials from several other government institutions also participated.
The programme aims to strengthen food safety throughout the supply chain, from fruit production to the point of sale, while encouraging traders and producers to adopt practices that safeguard public health.