Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne refuted allegations that there was a Thriposha shortage in the country and that sufficient stocks have been distributed by the government.

Thriposha is a nutrition supplement provided by the government to pregnant women and children older than six months.

In a press release, Senaratne said that Thriposha production went down due to the fitting of modern equipment at the Thriposha Factory in Kandana. However, although production was stalled in July, stocks had been distributed across the island by that time he added.

Furthermore, he said that the production was resumed several days ago, using the old equipment.

The new equipment will be installed and ready to be used by October, the release also said. According to Sri Lanka Thriposha Limited Chairman M.D. Bandusena, the production capacity will exceed the requirement of the MOH offices when the new machines are operative. The Minister has ordered to study the possibility of selling the excess amount in the open market, Bandusena also said.