Sri Lanka plans to establish 10 modern fruit-ripening chambers during 2026 as part of an initiative to promote safer commercial fruit-ripening practices.
Professor Rohitha Prasantha, Chairman of the National Institute of Post Harvest Management, said the facilities are intended to be made available to large-scale fruit producers.
Commercial producers are also expected to receive technology and training on modern fruit-ripening methods.
The initiative is intended to promote safe and scientifically controlled ripening while reducing the use of harmful substances associated with unsafe ripening practices.
Authorities say the programme is aimed at improving the safety and quality of fruit available to consumers.
The initiative accompanies the national programme titled “Toxin-Free Fruit for Children,” launched around World Children's Day.
That programme is intended to reduce health risks associated with unsafe chemical-based fruit-ripening practices and improve access to safer fruit.
The 10 chambers are planned facilities.
The announcement does not mean that all 10 chambers have already been constructed or are operational.
The phrase “chemical-free” should also be interpreted carefully.
Commercial fruit ripening involves normal biological and physiological processes, and scientifically controlled ripening should not automatically be equated with unsafe artificial ripening.
The relevant public-health concern is the use of harmful or unsafe substances and practices.
The article should therefore not claim that all artificially ripened fruit currently sold in Sri Lanka is unsafe.
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