The Health Ministry has urged organisers of Vesak Dansals to prioritise hot beverages such as tea and coffee instead of soft drink stalls, citing increased health risks linked to waterborne diseases.

Director General of Health Services, Specialist Dr. Asela Gunawardena, made the request while noting that cold beverage Dansals carry a higher risk of spreading illnesses through contaminated water.

Health authorities said the appeal was made considering the current spread of infectious diseases reported in some parts of the country.The Health Ministry encouraged organizers to coordinate with the relevant Medical Officer of Health (MOH) offices and Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) in their areas when planning Dansals.To assist with coordination and inquiries, the Ministry also released contact numbers for organizers requiring additional support.

For the Colombo Municipal Council area, organizers can contact Chief Public Health Inspector T.H.V.C. Withanage on 0776697674.

For other areas, Assistant Director of the Central Food Control Unit K.K.L. Jayalal can be contacted on 0779191010.

Additional coordination support is available through Health Education Officer Janaka Suneth Bandara on 0714327387