By
fgamage
2026 August 27
An intense discussion has arisen among the general public and those in the tourism sector regarding the ongoing delay in implementing the classification process for restaurants and food outlets in Negombo—a premier tourist city—based on proper standards (including programs like H 800).
While systems to grade restaurants as A, B, C or via color codes based on consumer health safety and quality are implemented in various parts of the country, reports indicate that the absence of such a formal system in practice within an internationally frequented tourist hub like Negombo remains a serious issue.
Particularly during inspections of restaurants in areas like Lewis Place, Porutota, Periyamulla, and the city center, instances have been reported where local and foreign tourists are inconvenienced due to sanitary shortcomings and a lack of standards in certain establishments. Therefore, civil organizations and consumers strongly demand that relevant authorities and the municipal council’s health divisions go beyond issuing statements and take immediate, practical steps to classify Negombo’s restaurants according to international standards.
M.P. Fernando