A program to educate traders and manufacturers on Atapirikara laws was held at the District Secretariat Auditorium today (17) morning under the leadership of the Kegalle District Consumer Affairs Authority.
An awareness program was held at the Kegalle District Shasanarakshaka Bala Mandala meeting held recently (12) with the participation of officers of the Consumer Affairs Authority to educate them on Atapirikara laws. The request of the Shasanarakshaka Bala Mandala was that there was a need to educate Atapirikara producers and businessmen about the laws and regulations governing the production and trade of Atapirikara. As per that request, the Sri Lanka Standards Institution and the Consumer Affairs Authority jointly provided the resources for this awareness program held today.
The purpose of this program was explained by the Assistant Director of the District Consumer Affairs Unit, H.A. Gunaratne, and the Secretary of the Kegalle Shasanarakshaka Bala Mandala, Venerable Hiyarapitiye Nandarathana Thero, who was present, delivered a sermon.
The current situation related to the regulation of Atapirikara was expressed by the Deputy Director of the Sri Lanka Standards Institution, Aruna Ratnayake. Furthermore, Mr. Hirantha Ekanayake explained the role of consumer affairs in relation to Atapirikara. Afterwards, the opportunity was given to Atapirikara traders and manufacturers to express their views and they were of the opinion that they are ready to maintain this business in accordance with the proper recommendations under formal regulation and provide the necessary support. Accordingly, the views and suggestions expressed at this meeting are also to be taken into consideration in the discussions currently being held with the relevant ministries.
The Maha Sangha Ratnaya, District Secretary/Government Agent Jagath Herath, Additional District Secretary (Lands) Dilip Nishantha, police officers including the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Buddhist Affairs Coordinating Officers, and a group of people from the business community participated in this event.
