• Notes need for strong laws, proper implementation mechanism, so as to protect reproductive age females     

With the recent changes in the laws concerning cosmetic products, the existing laws are insufficient to deal with issues related to cosmetic products, and therefore, introducing and enforcing the relevant laws is a matter that the authorities should consider as urgent.

Noting this, GMOA General Committee Member Dr. Prasad Colombage explained that introducing stronger laws is only the first step, and that establishing a proper mechanism to enforce those laws is also necessary because the enforcement of the previous laws, especially actions such as raids, was not at the optimum level. Speaking to The Daily Morning, he further said that in addition, the health and relevant regulatory authorities need to address the issue of a lack of proper laboratory facilities to check the quality of cosmetic products such as whitening creams.

“Some products contain a significant amount of heavy metals. These products are used mainly by women of reproductive ages. This is therefore an issue that can cause a massive damage to the country’s economy and public health,” Dr. Colombage said, adding that products such as whitening creams, definitely need to be regulated without delay.

Attempts to contact the Sri Lanka College of Dermatologists and the Consumers Affairs Authority to discuss their opinions regarding the matter were not successful.