Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne today confronted President Maithripala Sirisena's recent remarks on powdered milk and said no harmful substances had been found in powdered milk. 

"Anyone can make speeches. If they want, they can also ban the importation of powdered milk without delivering speeches. However, they must also know that fresh milk production can only meet 10% of the market requirement," Senaratne said launching a veiled attack on President Maithripala Sirisena who recently censured milk powder companies.  

'If they think they can fulfil the market requirement with fresh milk, they can do that. I don't have any problem with that," he said. 

"Multiple tests conducted by experts have established that powdered milk sold in Sri Lanka does not have any other substances than milk fat. I am a person with a science background. I don't believe something without a scientific basis," Senaratne also added. 

He also said when politicians are in power, they should focus more on delivering than criticising. 

"When we are in the opposition, we have all the freedom in the world to criticize. But when we are in the government, our focus should be on delivering," the Health Minister added.