Sri Lankan authorities have announced a special national dengue control programme covering 600 Grama Niladhari divisions across the country as part of intensified efforts to curb the spread of dengue during the ongoing southwest monsoon season.
According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the programme will be carried out over three days from June 24 to 26 and will target areas identified as being at increased risk of mosquito breeding and dengue transmission.
The decision was taken during a high-level discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat today (22), chaired by Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa and Presidential Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
Officials also decided to issue a circular outlining short-term dengue prevention measures to be implemented across government institutions, schools and local government bodies.
In addition, an inspection and monitoring unit led by the tri-forces will be established to strengthen surveillance activities, while legal action against those responsible for maintaining mosquito breeding sites will be intensified.
The meeting also focused on enhancing dengue prevention efforts through Community Power Committees and Public Safety Committees that have already been established at the local level.
Authorities noted that schools, factories, government institutions and places of worship have been identified as common mosquito breeding locations in many areas. As a result, urgent short-term interventions targeting these locations will be implemented.
The discussion further examined long-term strategies aimed at preventing recurring dengue outbreaks and improving sustainable vector control measures across the country.
With dengue cases typically increasing during periods of heavy rainfall, health authorities have urged the public to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites and cooperate with ongoing prevention programmes.
