A total of 2,388 dansals — charity food stalls — have been registered islandwide for the upcoming Vesak festival, the Public Health Inspectors’ Union said on Saturday.
Union Secretary Chamil Muthukuda said registrations are being carried out through Medical Officer of Health (MOH) offices across the country and will continue until May 29, the day before Vesak Poya.
“We began the registration of dansals islandwide at the beginning of this month through MOH offices,” Muthukuda said. “As of yesterday, around 2,388 dansals had been registered across the country. These registration activities will continue until the day before Vesak Poya.”
He urged organisers planning to hold dansals to complete the registration process as early as possible, and to meet the Public Health Inspector attached to their respective MOH office to complete procedures and obtain guidance.
Muthukuda noted that health authorities are also conducting awareness programmes on maintaining proper hygiene and public health standards when distributing food and drink during Vesak.
The PHI Union opened the Vesak and Poson dansal registration window on May 4, with 1,382 dansals having operated for the May 1 Poya. The 2,388 Vesak figure brings the season’s running registrations well above last month’s count, with another week of registrations still open.
Vesak Poya falls on May 31 this year and is one of Sri Lanka’s most significant Buddhist observances, commemorating the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha.
