He said dansal organisers and health officials including Public Health Inspectors and Medical Officers of Health should follow the guidelines.

Addressing the media in Colombo yesterday, he said a circular has already been issued to all Provincial and Regional Directors of Health, MOHs, Chief Medical Officers of all Urban and Municipal Councils in connection with the rules and regulations that should be followed for dansal.

Dr. Mahipala said all locations that dansal are to be held at should be registered with the relevant officials.

The officials should educate all dansal organisations on hygienic requirements on preparing, storing and serving food. They should also make sure that the organisers provide safe and clean drinking water, he said.

Dr. Mahipala said health officials should instruct dansal organisers to dispose garbage and should inspect if the organisers dispose the garbage properly. The health officials have also been instructed to conduct spot inspections when food is being prepared, stored and served to the public, he said.