India has donated 500 litres of technical-grade Malathion insecticide to Sri Lanka to support ongoing dengue control efforts, with the shipment handed over by Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha to Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa.
India has delivered 500 litres of technical-grade Malathion insecticide to Sri Lanka as part of efforts to combat a significant dengue outbreak affecting the island nation. The consignment was formally transferred to Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa by Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha, with officials from both nations present at the handover ceremony at the Ministry of Health and Mass Media.
Sri Lanka is currently experiencing a substantial dengue crisis, with reported case numbers varying slightly between sources. According to Health Ministry officials, more than 88,000 dengue cases have been recorded since the beginning of 2026, accompanied by over 60 deaths. The Western Province has emerged as one of the most severely affected regions. Sri Lanka had faced a shortage of Malathion in recent months, prompting health authorities to request assistance from India, which responded within days according to Health Minister Jayatissa.
The donated Malathion will be deployed in targeted fogging operations across high-risk areas to reduce populations of adult dengue-transmitting mosquitoes. Health officials have noted that mosquitoes in certain parts of the country have developed resistance to some existing insecticides, making the introduction of alternative chemicals like Malathion an important component of the national dengue control strategy. Malathion is an organophosphate insecticide recommended by the World Health Organization for vector control programmes.
Both officials emphasised the significance of this assistance within the broader context of bilateral relations. High Commissioner Jha reaffirmed India's commitment to supporting Sri Lanka's public health sector and expressed confidence that health cooperation would continue to expand. Health Minister Jayatissa expressed gratitude to the Indian government and people for the timely support during the public health emergency.
