The Health Ministry has announced plans for a comprehensive two-year programme aimed at eliminating dengue across Sri Lanka, following a review of current containment efforts at Colombo National Hospital.
Sri Lanka's Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has announced an ambitious two-year national programme designed to eradicate dengue from the country. The initiative was discussed during a high-level review meeting held at Colombo National Hospital to assess the current dengue situation across high-risk Medical Officer of Health divisions and strengthen ongoing mosquito control operations.
The structured programme will operate down to Grama Niladhari Division level under Health Ministry oversight. Officials plan to focus on identifying weaknesses in previous control efforts, mapping high-risk zones, conducting coordinated mosquito suppression operations, enhancing technical support capacity, and improving treatment services while reducing mortality rates. Minister Jayatissa highlighted that the recent decline in dengue deaths represents an important milestone and that control activities must continue consistently, even during periods when case numbers appear to decrease.
According to the National Dengue Control Unit, the situation shows signs of improvement. Director Dr. Kapila Kannangara reported that daily confirmed cases have decreased from approximately 1,300 to between 350 and 400 following implemented measures. However, he cautioned that the dengue threat remains, particularly given upcoming monsoon rains and climate change impacts. As of the previous day, the country had recorded 87,536 cumulative dengue cases and 63 deaths since the outbreak began.
