Celebrating World Food Day 2024: A Landmark Awareness Event on the Right to Safe Food

On October 22, 2024, the Institute of Food Science and Technology Sri Lanka (IFSTSL), in partnership with the Sri Lanka Food Processors Association (SLFPA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), commemorated World Food Day with a significant awareness event themed “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future”. This impactful gathering was held at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in Colombo from 1:30 pm to 4:45 pm and brought together food control agencies, research and development organizations, industry stakeholders, academia, and dedicated advocates, all united in their commitment to promoting safe food practices.

The event underscored the fundamental right to safe food, affirming its critical importance as the foundation of health, dignity, and sustainable development. Participants took part in an insightful session titled “Right to Safe Food for a Better Life and Future,” which emphasized the essential role of food safety in public health and economic growth. Prof. Niranjan Rajapakse, representing the IFSTSL Board of Governors, warmly welcomed the gathering, and Mr. Thusith Wijesinghe, President of SLFPA, delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the need for continued collaboration and vigilance in food safety. A video message from Mr. Vimalendra Sharan, FAO Country Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, set a compelling tone for the discussions, calling for unified efforts to ensure food security and safety.

The session featured five distinguished speakers who shared their expert insights into various dimensions of food safety and the right to safe food:

• Buddhi Marambe offered perspectives on Sustainable Agriculture and Food Safety, emphasizing how sustainable practices support food security while aligning with food safety goals, benefiting both health and the environment.
• Eresha Mendis discussed the Importance of Compliance with National and International Food Safety Requirements in Food Trade, underscoring how adherence to standards protects public health while facilitating access to global markets.
• Anoma Chandrasekara examined the vital link between Nutrition and Food Safety, shedding light on how ensuring food safety is integral to nutritional health and overall well-being, especially for vulnerable populations.
• Maliek De Alwis presented on the Efforts of Sri Lanka’s Food Processing and Manufacturing Sector in upholding food safety, acknowledging the industry’s ongoing commitment to maintaining high quality standards and contributing to consumer trust.
• Nalin Munasinghe focused on Food Safety as a Fundamental Right, stressing its importance to public welfare and the need for policies that reinforce food safety as a basic human right.

The session was moderated by Mr. Dhammika Gunasekara. Prof. Eresha Mendis served as the overall coordinator of the event, supported by Ms. Judy Thavarajatheepan from FAO and Ms. Sandya Fernando of the SLFPA Secretariat, whose efforts were instrumental in the event’s success.

In the closing vote of thanks, Dr. Choshani Dalukdeniya from IFSTSL expressed heartfelt appreciation to all attendees for their active participation and shared commitment to advancing safe food practices in Sri Lanka. She highlighted the importance of the collaborative spirit demonstrated at the event, which strengthened the foundation for ongoing efforts to build awareness and bolster food safety in Sri Lanka.

The event concluded with a networking session, where participants had the opportunity to exchange ideas and establish meaningful partnerships to further food safety and security initiatives across the country. This World Food Day celebration served as a powerful reminder of the vital role that safe, accessible food plays in ensuring a better quality of life and a sustainable future for all.