In the latest round of island-wide raids targeting unsafe food practices during the festive season, Avenra Gardens Hotel faced scrutiny for the second time in two months. Public health inspectors accused the hotel of committing a second offense by storing cooked and uncooked food together in the same freezer.
Upul Rohana, President of the Public Health Inspectors Association, claims the hotel management is attempting to fabricate false accusations against the inspectors, alleging a conspiracy.
President Rohana asserted that this behavior by the hotel management, resorting to false accusations and complaining against the officials conducting the raids, is unacceptable. He noted that while other hotels complied with the law during similar inspections, Avenra Gardens Hotel’s management engaged in inappropriate behavior, including pressuring the inspectors without cause.
According to him, two months prior, a similar inspection revealed unsafe storage practices in the hotel’s kitchen, and a warning was issued. However, during the recent inspection on Saturday (23), the same violations were found. The hotel administration was instructed to seal the implicated refrigerator and sign documents for legal proceedings, but they allegedly delayed and pressured the raiding officials.
President Rohana emphasized that the Public Health Inspectors Association will take maximum legal action against false bribery charges, ensuring that government officials can enforce the law without undue pressure. He also dismissed baseless allegations circulating on social media, suggesting extortion incidents and reputational damage to the hotel.
Despite these challenges, President Rohana affirmed that the raids would continue, and the progress made against Avenra Gardens Hotel’s administration would not be reversed.
