Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne has highlighted severe hygiene issues in the Sri Lanka Parliament cafeteria.
Speaking at an event, he revealed that since the Parliament building was opened 40 years ago, no public health inspectors (PHIs) or health officials have been allowed to check food preparation conditions inside the premises.
“In April, I requested the Battaramulla medical officer of health and PHIs to investigate the food safety situation inside the Parliament complex, and they provided me a report,” he said.
He noted that the inspection revealed food additives unfit for human consumption, traces of rats and cockroaches, broken flooring, and damaged cooking utensils.
“This report has not yet been released to the media, but I believe it will be in the coming days,” he added.
Highlighting the seriousness of the issue, Wickramaratne warned of the risks if MPs were to suffer food poisoning on a crucial day, such as when a two-thirds majority is required to pass a bill.
“When we act on these issues, officials are unhappy with us. Some even mock me by calling me a PHI,” he said.