Universities may be closed if dengue clusters reported - Deputy Minister

The Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education, Madhura Senevirathna, has stated that universities will be closed on the advice of health authorities if dengue cases are reported in clusters within university premises.He further noted that the University of the Visual and Performing Arts in Colombo, which was temporarily closed due to reported dengue cases, is expected to reopen on July 13 in accordance with instructions issued by health authorities.Addressing the issue, the Deputy Minister said that health authorities have declared a national-level dengue epidemic situation, with several high-risk areas and districts identified.He stated that several measures have been implemented to safeguard educational and higher education institutions from the dengue outbreak.“If dengue cases are reported in clusters within higher education institutions, we will be compelled to close them based on the advice of health authorities. That is the reason why the University of the Visual and Performing Arts is currently closed. Similarly, the University Grants Commission has issued guidelines to all universities. We have held discussions with the University of the Visual and Performing Arts, and we expect to reopen it on July 13,” he said.