4,600+ Already Prosecuted as Police Intensify Dengue Crackdown

The Sri Lanka Police and health authorities have launched a special islandwide programme to strengthen dengue prevention efforts and enforce legal action against those responsible for mosquito breeding sites, amid growing concerns over the spread of dengue. According to the Police Media Division, the initiative is being carried out jointly by the Ministry of Health, Public Health Inspectors and the Sri Lanka Police to curb the spread of dengue across the country. The Inspector General of Police has instructed Officers-in-Charge (OICs) of all police stations to engage the public through Public Security Committees in all 48 police divisions by conducting awareness campaigns, cleanliness drives and law enforcement activities. Police warned that strict legal action will be taken against individuals who maintain premises in an unsanitary condition that facilitates mosquito breeding. Such offenders will be prosecuted under Section 262 of the Penal Code. Health authorities are also empowered under the Mosquito Prevention Act, No. 11 of 2007, to issue Red Notices to owners or occupants of premises where mosquito breeding sites are detected. Failure to comply with the notice within the stipulated period carries a maximum fine of Rs. 25,000. The Police Media Division further revealed that 4,672 cases were filed before courts between January and June 2026 against individuals who failed to maintain their premises and surrounding environments in a manner that prevents mosquito breeding. Urging the public to cooperate with authorities, the Police called on communities to maintain clean surroundings, eliminate mosquito breeding sites and strictly follow dengue prevention measures to protect public health. (Newswire)